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WASHINGTON TO LEAR 



NUMBER 
OF THREE HUNDRED 
COPIES PRINTED FOR PRIVATE 
DISTRIBUTION ONLY 



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LETTERS 



FROM 



GEORGE WASHINGTON 



TO 



TOBIAS LEAR 



WITH AN 



APPENDIX 



CONTAINING MISCELLANEOUS 
WASHINGTON LETTERS AND DOCUMENTS 



REPRINTED FROM THE ORIGINALS IN THE COLLECTION OF 
MR. ff^ILLIAM K. BIXBY, OF ST. LOUIS, MO. 



WITH INTRODUCTION AND NOTES 



Rochester, N. Y. 
190; 



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Wjtttffnj^fjr^ 



{ AUG 17 lauo 

/Ann 



COPYRIGHT 1905 

By WILLIAM K. BIXBY 

PUBLISHED 1905 
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 



THB GBNBSBE PRBSS 

THE POST EXPRESS PRINTING CO. 

ROCHESTER. N. Y. 



INTRODUCTION 

"VTOTHING more than a brief sketch of Tobias Lear has ever been written, 
■^ though for many years he was a prominent and very useful man in national 

affairs. He was closely associated with President George Washington, served as 
his private secretary, was a tutor in his family, and was honored with his particular 
friendship. Mr. Lear was born in the Lear mansion, on Hunking street, in 
Portsmouth, N. H., September ig, 1762, and was the son of Captain Tobias Lear, 
once a shipmaster and later in life a successful farmer. He received a liberal 
education and was graduated from Harvard in 1783. 

Immediately after the close of the Revolutionary war. General Washington 
retired to Mount Vernon in the belief that his public career had closed, and in the 
fervent hope that he might resume the quiet life of a country gentleman. His 
correspondence, however, steadily increased and soon became so burdensome that 
the services of a private secretary were needed. It was also necessary that a tutor 
be provided for Eleanor Parke Custis and George Washington Parke Custis, grand- 
children of Mrs. Washington and children of John Parke Custis, whom 
Washington had adopted immediately after the death of the father, which occurred 
soon after the surrender of Cornwallis. Accordingly, late in 1785, Washington 
wrote to his friend, General Benjamin Lincoln, and asked him to recommend a 
suitable person. General Lincoln consulted the Rev. Dr. Joseph Willard, president 
of Harvard college, and the Rev. Dr. Samuel Haven, pastor of the South Parish of 
Portsmouth, N. H., and recommended Mr. Lear, in a letter dated January 4, 1786, 
saying : " I have at last found a Mr. Lear, who supports the character of a 
gentleman and a scholar. He was educated at Cambridge, Mass. Since he left 
college he has been in Europe, and in different parts of this continent. It is said 
he is a good master of languages. He reads French, and writes an exceedingly 
good letter." In his reply, written at Mount Vernon, February 6, 1786, Washington 
said : 

" Let me, in the first place, thank you for your kind attention to my inquiries; 
and in the next, pray you to know precisely from Mr. Lear upon what terms he 
would come to me. I am not inclined to leave matters of that kind to after 
discussion or misconception. Whatever agreement is previously made shall be 
pointedly fulfilled on my part, which will prevent every cause of complaint on his. 

" Mr. Lear, or any other who may come into my family in the blended 
characters of preceptor to the children, and as a clerk or private secretary to me, 
will sit at my table, will live as I live, will mix with the company who resort to the 
house, and will be treated in every respect with civility and proper attention. He 
will have his washing done in the family, and have his linen and stockings mended 



INTRODUCTION 

by the maids of it. The duties, which will be required of him, are generally such 
as appertain to the offices above mentioned. The first will be very trifling, till the 
children are a little more advanced; and the latter will be equally so, as my 
correspondences decline (which I am endeavoring to effect), and after my accounts 
and other old matters are brought up. To descend more minutely into his 
avocations I am unable, because occasional matters may call for particular services ; 
but nothing derogatory will be asked or expected. After this explanation of my 
wants, I request Mr. Lear will mention the annual sum he will expect for these 
services, and I will give him a decided answer by the return of the stages, which 
now carry the mail and travel quick. A good hand, as well as a proper diction, 
would be a recommendation on account of fair entries, and for the benefit of the 
children who will have to copy after it." 

A satisfactory arrangement was made, and Mr. Lear entered Washington's 
family as private secretary and tutor at an annual salary of ^200. After he had 
been there for two years on the most familiar footing, he wrote : " General 
Washington is, I believe, the only man of an exalted character who does not lose 
some part of his respectability by an intimate acquaintance. I have never found a 
single thing that could lessen my respect for him. A complete knowledge of his 
honesty, uprightness, and candor in all his private transactions has sometimes led 
me to think him more than a man." On his part, Washington was fully satisfied. 
He held Mr. Lear in high esteem, trusted him implicitly, and relied upon him in 
many emergencies. 

A few months after entering Washington's family, Mr. Lear was sent on a tour 
of observation to Pittsburg, to obtain accurate information respecting Washington's 
lands in Pennsylvania. The young man attended to the business with intelligence 
and fidelity. During the next six months he acted as secretary and tutor at Mount 
Vernon. In May, 1788, he visited his birthplace and wrote Washington an 
important letter regarding the proposed Federal constitution, then under discussion 
in the New Hampshire convention. After Washington's election to the presidency, 
Lear accompanied him to New York and wrote an interesting account of the 
inauguration. In the procession Washington rode in the state coach, Tobias Lear 
and David Humphreys, his two secretaries, following immediately after in the 
President's own carriage. In October, 1789, President Washington made a tour 
of New England, accompanied by Mr. Lear. When he entered Portsmouth, Lear's 
native place, Washington rode on horseback, and Lear in an open carriage. A 
chronicle of the times says : " As they passed on, many, from his position and 
dignified appearance, mistook the Colonel for the President, and bestowed upon the 
Secretary that honor which was meant for ' The Father of his Country.' " Alighting 
from his horse, Washington went on foot to visit the house where his secretary was 
born and to pay his respects to Lear's venerable mother. 



Proposed Lease of Mt. Vernon 

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INTRODUCTION 



questions with great freedom, reciting the fresh grievances of his countrymen against 
England, dwelling upon the anger of the American people, declaring their determin- 
ation to obtain a compliance with the terms of the treaty of peace, and showing 
their elaborate preparations for war. It is difficult to resist the thought that 
Washington expected this letter would be opened in the mails and that a copy of it 
would be sent to the British ministers. If it was so treated it certainly gave them 
a clear view of the whole situation and showed them the wisdom of conciliation and 
a prompt negotiation of a new treaty. One of the most interesting paragraphs in 
the correspondence gives Washington's views on the question of slavery and shows 
his strong desire to liberate the negroes on his estates. On this subject he was far 
in advance of the vast majority of his fellow citizens. There are many other 
valuable references to the history of the times and to those associated with 
Washington in the development of republican government. The letters will, indeed, 
be a revelation to those whose knowledge of Washington is confined to his career 
as a soldier and a statesman. Here we are afforded a close view of his home life ; 
here we see the man as he was known only to his intimate friends — painstaking, 
thorough, and scrupulously exact in his business affairs ; watchful that he might not 
do an unintentional wrong; attentive to the minutest details of domestic arrange- 
ments, that Mrs. Washington might be relieved of as many cares as possible; 
courteous, kindly, and considerate in all his dealings ; strong in his friendships, 
constant in his affections, and abundantly blessed with cheerfulness and good humor. 

In the Appendix will be found a miscellaneous collection of Washington letters 
and documents, reprinted with exactness from the originals in the collection of Mr. 
Bixby. Many of these are of extraordinary interest. The most important of all 
documents bearing the name of Washington is undoubtedly his commission as 
commander-in-chief of the Continental army, which is in the Library of Congress, 
and assuredly the next most important is the Letter of Instructions from the 
Continental congress, the original of which is in Mr. Bixby's collection. This not 
only notifies him of his appointment to the command of the army but gives him 
precise directions for the discharge of his duty. It is here correctly printed for the 
first time. Among the miscellaneous letters will be found some of the greatest 
interest to students of American history, notably Washington's letters to Jones, 
Jefferson, Tilghman, Robert Morris, and Patrick Henry. They throw a flood of 
light upon the history of the times and strikingly exhibit Washington's intense 
patriotism and far-sighted statesmanship. 

The publication of the letters contained in this volume seems desirable because 
the loss to students of American history and of Washington's life and character 
would be irreparable if, through some accident, the originals were destroyed. All 
the illustrations and, with three or four exceptions, all the letters, are now published 
for the first time, and both illustrations and letters are copyrighted. 

William H. Samson. 



XI 



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IVA S H I N GTO N TO LEAR 




NSTRUCTIONS for M' Lear: 

You will proceed to Pittsburgh by the following 
rout — Leesburgh, Key's Ferry, Bath, Old Town and 
Fort Cumberland.' — From the latter pursue the New 
road by the_Turkeyiiiaat_tP Col° John Stephenson (com- 
monly called Stinson) w"^** is on the road to Pittsburgh. 
When you are at Bath enquire the way to a piece of Land I have on 
the River about 14 Miles above the town on the way to Old Town and 
see if it is in the occupation of any one, and on what terms it is held. — 
A Col° Bruin in Bath, or a M'' McCraken near the Land will I expect be 
able to give you information on this head. 

When you arrive at Col" Stephenson's you will deliver the letter 
which is addressed to him & receive what money he may be in circum- 
stances or inclination to pay you on my ace'. 

At Pittsburgh I expect you will find General Butler to whom you 
have a letter and from whom it is probable you may receive an answer. — 
If he is not there leave the letter for him in the care of his brother (who 
lives at that place) or some other. — 

Col° Nevill lives at a place called Shirtees* Six miles below Pittsburgh 
and I believe not much out of the road to my Land on Millers run (lately 
recovered) or to Col° Cannons in the vicinity of it. 

You will converse fully and freely with Col° Nevill on the points 
touched on in my letter — hear his sentiments on them — and find out if 
you can how far and with what cordiallity he is disposed to serve me in 
providing Tenants and securing the Rents of the newly recovered Lands — 
You will be able to learn from him also whether CoI° Cannon is at home 

or 



I This route lay along the northern boundary of Virginia and into the southwestern part of Pennsylvania. 
1 For Chartiers. 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

or at the Assembly in Philadelphia. — Probably Col° Nevill will ride 
there with you in the former case or to the land in the latter one — The 
condition the last is in you will examine and inform the residents thereon 
of the person I have named as my Agent — and though they have little 
right to expect favor from me, yet I have no inclination to distress them 
more than can be avoided. 

As Col° Canon lives near my land & is esteemed a worthy and 
respectable character it would be more convenient and perhaps better — 
everything considered — that he should superintend my tenants than any 
other person — but if he declines it and Col° Nevill discovers an inclination 
to serve me in this business he would be my next choice — and Major 
McCormiclc the third — In case either of the first (in the order they are 
named) should incline to accept this trust there will be no necessity for 
you to deliver the letter to the latter in person if he should not pass in 
your way. — 

The name of the person accepting the trust must be inserted in the 
blank power herewith given you. — 

You will endeavor to discover from those to whom I have written as 
also from others what probably is the highest price that can be obtained 
for the tracts I wish to dispose of — viz — that on Miller's run in Washing- 
ton county containing about 3,000 Acres — and that on Yohiogany (com- 
monly called Washingtons bottom) in Fayette County' of 1,650 acres 
giving the credits & receiving the payments in the manner mentioned in 
my letters — & if you should find that none are of opinion that the first 
will exceed 30/- p' acre and the other 40/- both Pennyl^ currcy. you may 
give it out that although I have not named the prices of these tracts in 
my letters yet you have good reason to believe and indeed to know that 
if these prices could be averaged (in case the Lands are sold in parcels) 
that I would be content therewith and assurances might be given of my 
disposing of them on these terms. 

After having finished the business which takes you to Washington 
County, return home by the way of my other Land in Fayette County 
the condition of which I wish you to examine over and above the ace' you 
will receive from Major Freeman & then return in by Braddock Road at 

the 

I These counties arc in the southwestern part of Pennsylvania. 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

the Great Meadows lying on which I have a small tract which sometimes 
has and at other times has not a tenant (though no rent has ever yet been 
paid me for it) see in what state & condition this tenement is in. 

Your road from hence will cross the N° Branch of Potomack above 
Fort Cumberland and pass through Rumney" and thence to Winchester 
where you will deliver my letter to M"^ White and receive the money due 
from Gen' Lees Estate to me if he inclines to pay it. 

In this trip you will have an opportunity of satisfying yourself fully 
with respect to Col° Hulls enquiries which I wish you to do — and also 
what the legal fees of my Lawyers are in the ejectments lately decided in 
my favor that I may know better what to add to them. 

If Major Freeman can give any ace' of the suit (an ejectment I believe 
it is) brought by my Brother Col" Jn° Washington in Fayette Court I 
should be glad if you would obtain it that I communicate the same to him 

Wishing you good health and as pleasant a journey as can be expected 
from the season I am your sincere friend 

G? Washington. 
Mount Vernon 
Nov 30''' 1786 



Whereas it may be necessary, during my absence from the Seat of 
Government to pay certain monies and accts. out of the fund of ten 
thousand Dollars appropriated to the discharge of Contingent Expenses 
of Government by a law passed on the 26^ day of March 1790; I there- 
fore do authorize Tobias Lear, my Secretary, to direct such payments to 
be made in my name, out of said fund, as may come properly within the 
Same, provided that previous to such direction for payment, all accounts, 
demands &c shall be exhibited to the Secretary of the Treasury, and shall 
be pronounced by him to come properly and clearly within the Law 
making the above appropriation. And I moreover certify that three pay- 
ments which have been made out of said fund previous to this time, viz. 
one for Seals procured for the Supreme and Circuit courts of the United 
States, amounting to ninety one dollars & tttt — one to Jeremiah Wads- 
worth 

I For Romney, in Virginia. 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

worth for monies advanced and payed to him for the purpose of taking 
up and securing certain persons who had counterfeited public Securities, 
amounting to one thousand and sixty one dollars — and one for a seal 
procured for the District Court of Connecticut, amounting to Eight Dollars 
were by my order. 

Given under my hand in the city of New York this 30''' day of 
August, 1790. 

G° Washington. 

[Endorsed : Power from the President of the United States to Tobias Lear 
authorizing him to draw money for the payment of certain accts. August 30''' 1790.] 



/ Philadelphia Sept' 5''' 1790. 

Dear Sir, 

After a pleasant Journey we arrived in this City about 2 o'clock on 
Thursday last. — To-morrow we proceed (if M'* Washington's health, 
for she has been much indisposed since she came here) towards Mount 
Vernon. 

The house of M"' R. Morris had, previous to my arrival, been taken 
by the Corporation' for my Residence. — It is the best they could get. — 
It is, I believe, the best single house in the City; yet, without additions it 
is inadequate to the commodious accommodation of my family. — These, 
I believe, will be made.^ 

The first floor contains only two public Rooms (except one for the 
upper Servants). — The second floor will have two public (drawing) 
Rooms & with the aid of one room with the partition in it in the back 
building will be sufficient for the accomodation of M'^ Washington & the 
children & their maids — besides affording me a small place for a private 
study & dressing Room. — The third story will furnish you & M"^^ Lear 

with 



1 Of the city of Philadelphia. 

2 The seat of the national government was removed from New York to Philadelphia in 1790 by act of congress, which adjourned 
on August 12th, and it was necessary to provide a residence for the President in the latter city. In New York Washington occu- 
pied the mansion at No. 10 Cherry street for about nine months, and then moved to a more spacious house owned by Alexander 
Macomb on the west side of Broadway, between Trinity church and Bowling Green, where M. de Mousticr, the French minister, 
had resided. It was a very pleasant house with a garden extending to the shore of the Hudson and from the upper windows a fine 
view was had of the river. Washington's lease of the property ran for one year from May 1, 1790, and he made extensive improve- 
ments and additions, which entailed a heavy financial loss when he was compelled to remove to Philadelphia. 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

with a good lodging room — and a public Office (for there is no place 
below for one) and two Rooms for the Gentlemen of the family. — 
The Garret has four good Rooms which must serve M' and M" Hyde 
(unless they should prefer the room over the wash House) — William — 
and such Servants as it may not be better to place in the addition (as pro- 
posed) to the Back Building. — There is a room over the Stable (without 
a fire place, but by means of a Stove) may serve the Coachman & Postil- 
ions ; — and there is a smoke House, which, possibly, may be more useful 
to me for the accomodation of Servants than for Smoking of Meat. — 
The intention of the addition to the Back building is to provide a Ser- 
vants Hall, and one or two (as it will affiard) lodging rooms for the 
Servants ; especially those who are coupled. — There is a very good 
Wash House adjoining to the Kitchen (under one of the rooms already 
mentioned). — There are good Stables, but for 12 Horses only, and a 
Coach House which will hold all my Carriages. — 

Speaking of carriages, I have left my Coach to receive a thorough 
repair against I return (which I expect will happen before the first of 
December) and I request you will visit M' Clark (into whose hands it 
is committed) often, to see it well done ; & that I may not be disap- 
pointed in the time allowed him for the completion which is by the 25'*^ 
of November. — The Harness is also left with him, and he has my ideas 
on this subject : generally they are, if the Wheel Harness (which I 
understand was left at New York) can be made complete, and to look as 
well as if they were New, then, and in that case, he is to make a set of 
Pole and Harness to suit them, both to be plated — but if this cannot be 
accomplished, the set is to be made entirely new, and in the stile.' — 

I have requested Col° Biddle to take measures for laying in wood 

for 



I Soon after entering upon the duties of the presidency at New York, Washington ordered a fine coach from England, in 
which, towards the close of his residence there, he often rode with his family, attended by outriders. It was drawn by four, and 
sometimes by six, horses. Lossing gives the following description of it : '* This coach was one of the best of its kind, heavy and 
substantial. The body and wheels were a cream color, with gilt mouldings i and the former was suspended upon heavy leathern 
straps which rested upoiiJron springs. ' Portions of the sides of the upper part, as well as the front and rear, were furnished with 
neat green Venetian blinds, and the remainder was enclosed with black leather curtains. The tatter might be raised so as to make the 
coach quite open in fine weather. The blinds afforded shelter from the storm while allowing ventilation. The coach was lined with 
bright black leather ; and the driver's seat was trimmed with the same. The axles were wood, and the curved reaches iron. Upon 
the door Washington's arms were handsomely emblazoned, having scroll ornaments issuing from the space between the shield and 
the crest ; and below was a ribbon with his motto upon it — Exitus acta probat. Upon each of the four panels of the coach was an 
allegorical picture, emblematical of one of the seasons. These were beautifully painted upon copper by Cipriani, an Italian artist. 
The ground was a very dark green — so dark that it appeared nearly black ; and the allegorical figures were executed in bronze, in 
size nine and a half by ten inches." David Clarke, who was repairing the coach, was an Englishman who settled in Philadelphia 
about 178J. He constructed a traveling coach for Washington and was sometimes called " Washington's coachmaker." 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

for me — this being, he thinks the proper time for doing it, and to draw 
upon you for the amount of Cost. — 

The pressure of business under which I laboured for several days 
before I left New York, allowed me no time to inquire who, of the 
female Servants, it was proposed or thought advisable to remove here 
besides the Wives of the footmen — namely James & Fidas. — The 
Washer Women I believe are good, but as they, or one of them at 
least, has a family of children — quere whether it is necessary to incumber 
the March — and the family afterwards, with them ? — I neither contradict 
or advise the measure — your own judgment, & the circumstances of the 
case must decide the point : — but unless there is better reasons than I am 
acquainted with for bringing M"^^ Lewis — her daughter — and their families 
along, they had better, I should conceive, be left : — but as I never inves- 
tigated the subject I will give no decisive opinion thereon. — 

As M' Hyde some little time before I left New York expressed 
some dissatisfaction ; signifiying that he could neither enjoy under the 
conduct of the Servants the happiness he wished ; or render those ser- 
vices he thought might be expected trom him ; it might be well tor you, 
before I am at the expence of his removal, to know decidedly, what his 
determination is, and his views with a respect to a continuance. — There 
can be no propriety in sadling me with the cost of his transportation, & 
that of his baggage, if he has it in contemplation to leave me at, or soon 
after his arrival. — And 1 am the rather inclined to make this suggestion 
now as time will allow you to scrutinize his accts. & to form a good com- 
parative view of them with Francis'. — As a Steward, I am satisfied 
William (independent of the Woman & what her Excellence is I really 
know not) would be full his equal, and 1 think the Dinners if the Cook 
had more agency in the planning of them, would be better ; — at least 
more tasty — but this M' or M" Hyde's pride will not submit to. — As 
I have got to the end of the Paper, and am tired, I shall only add that 
your letter of the T,^ with its enclosures came sate — and that M" 
Washington joins me in best wishes for M"'^ Lear & yourself^ — I am 
sincerely & atfect')' 

Yrs 

G? Washington. 

P. S. 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

P. S. In a fortnight or twenty days from this time it is expected 
M'' Morris will have removed out of the House — It is proposed to 
add Bow Windows to the two public rooms in the South front of the 
House — But as all the other apartments will be close & secure the 
sooner after that time you can be in the House with the furniture the 
better, that you may be all fixed and see how matters go on during my 
absence. 



Mount Vernon, Sepf 20^*^ 1790. 
Dear Sir, 

The Servant who carried my letter of the 17^^ to the Post Office in 
Alexandria returned with yours of the 12^ which shall be the subject of 
this reply. — 

Whatever Ideas, or remarks may have been excited by my going 
into M' Morris's House I know not ; but this I am sure of, that to do 
it was farthest from my expectations. — The Corporation of the City 
(by whom it was engaged) made attempts, it seems, to get other places, 
but none being to be obtained to their liking M"^ Morris' was offered & 
accepted, subject to my decision. — To the Academy there were excep- 
tions, which it was said could not be overcome. — To Hunters Houses 
there were impediments. — The Houses of M" Allan and M"^ Guirney 
could not be had because M"'* Pollock (tenant in the latter) would not 
relinquish it — and M"^ or M''^ Kepleys was found not to answer. — This, 
I was told, as the history of the business. — 

I have not the least objection to Fidus's Wife coming to Philadel- 
phia in the Vessel with the other Servants ; nor to her continuing in the 
family afterwards if she chuses it & can do the duties of her station 
tolerably ; because I think he merits indulgences. — On James account 
(who I also think is a very good Servant) I consent readily, if it was his 
expectation and wish, that his wife may accompany the Servants in the 
manner suggested by you — or as a House Maid if she is thought fit for 
it ; but not being acquainted with the views of the parties (James & 
wife I mean) I can only say that I shall be perfectly satisfied with what- 
ever 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

ever you do respecting the matter. — As I do not believe the House 
can be better supplied with Washer women, I think it best to bring those 
you have ; on condition that I shall not be burthened with Fanny's 
Children after they arrive. — Thus much for the lower Servants & their 
connections. — 

With respect to M"^ Hyde & his wife, if the duties of the family are 
too much for both will M^ Hyde alone be able to discharge them ? — If 
she quits, will not a substitute be necessary ? — In that case, or in case 
M' Hyde acts alone, does he expect the same wages as are now given to 
both ? — If it is not stated in some paper handed in by M^ Hyde, it is 
nevertheless strong in my recollection, that his wife's services were stated 
at one, and his own at 200 dollars per ann. — I have no wish to part 
with M"^ or M" Hyde ; first, because I do not like to be changing ; — and 
secondly, because I do not know where, or with whom to supply their 
places. — On the score of Ace'* I can say nothing, never having taken 
a comparative view of his & Francis's ; but I am exceedingly mistaken if 
the expences of the Second Table at w'^'» M^ Hyde presides, has not 
greatly exceeded that kept by Francis ; for (but in this I may be mistaken) 
I strongly suspect that nothing is brought to my Table of liquors, fruits, 
or other things, that is not used as profusely at his. — It my suspicions 
are unfounded, I shall be sorry for having entertained them ; and if they 
are not, it is at least questionable whether his successor might not do the 
same thing; — in which case (it Hyde is honest & careful, ot which you 
are better able to judge than I am) a change without a benefit might 
take place, and is not desirable, if they are to be retained on proper 
terms. — I say the\, for if M" Hyde is necessary for the purposes 
enumerated in your letter, and the Cook is not competent to the Desert, 
making Cake, &c, I do not see what use Hyde, more than William, 
would be without her — nor do I see why she should execute part of his 
duties and thereby make her own too burthensome. — Francis, besides 
being an excellent Cook, knowing how to provide genteel Dinners, and 
giving aid in dressing them, prepared the Desert, made the Cake, and did 
every thing that Hyde & wife conjointly do ; — consequently the Services 
of Hyde alone is not to be compared with those of Francis's ; and if his 
Accts. exceed (in the same Seasons) those of Francis', 4 or ^"5 a Week, 

and 

8 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

and at the same time appear fair I shall have no scruple to acknowledge 
that I have entertained much harder thoughts of the latter than I ought 
to have done, although it is inconceivable to me how other families on 25 
h"* or 3000 dollars, should be enabled to entertain more Company at least 
more frequently than I could do for twenty-five thousand dollars, 
annually. — 

I am glad to hear that the furniture of the large drawing room — 
especially the glasses — are packed in a manner which you think secure — 
with respect to the Table Ornaments, my opinion has been so fully given 
on the mode of putting them up, that I shall say nothing further on the 
subject in this letter ; and as I presume a correspondence has been 
opened between M' Morris & you, I have no doubt of your embracing 
the proper moment for their removal ; & the best mode of accomplish- 
ing it.— 

M'' Macomb may in reality be indifferent as to taking the House off 
your hands, but it is highly probable he will assume the appearance of 
it, in order to derive an advantage in the terms — therefore, as I shall 
have to pay rent for it until May, if he or some other does not take it, it 
would be well to bring him to some decision at once, or advertise the 
renting of it, & the Sale of the buildings I have put up at the same 
time. — You will make better terms for these than any Agent that will 
be left behind — and besides, it may hasten M'' Macomb (who, from what 
I have heard I am sure wants the house) by alarming his fears that others 
may step in. — To receive some compensation, would be better than to 
sink the whole rent, and loose the buildings which I have erected on the 
lots. If there is no likelihood of my getting a tenant for the House you 
are in would not M'' Macomb be glad to take it at the difference which 
disinterested & impartial men would fix between it & the House he is in, 
& for me to pay the Rent of the latter until a tenant for it could be 
obtained ? — This would be a step gained, and is perhaps what he is 
driving at. — 

With respect to Dingwell, I join Col" Hamilton & M'' Jefferson in 
opinion that it is no more than a catch-penny plan ; — yet for the reason 
assigned by Gen' Knox I think twenty or twenty dollars may be given 
him ; professedly for his trouble ; with an assurance that it is believed 

B 

9 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

B has meant an imposition on /;/;/;, inasmuch as part of his informa- 
tion we know is unfounded, and are sure, from the complexion & expres- 
sion of some of the letters, pretended to be received from some of the 
King of G. B.'s Ministers that thev are spurious ; yet nevertheless, as it 
is supposed he — Dingwell — meant well, & has been at some trouble in 
his report, this sum is given expressly on those Accts. — 

We have all us been very well since we came to this place & all join 
in best wishes for you and M" Lear. 

With sincere regard &: affection 

I am Y" 

G° Washington. 
M^ Lear. 



Mount Vernon Sept' z~'-^ 1790. 
Dear Sir, 

Since mv last to you (the date I do not recollect, keeping no copies 
of mv letters to vou) I have received yours of the i~^'^ and ;o^ instant, & 
shall answer such parts ot them as require it. — 

I am glad to find that the House, according to M' Morris's notifi- 
cation to vou, will be readv about the time you had made arrangements 
for the removal of mv furniture — the mode of doing which, is, I am 
persuaded, the cheapest and best. — How have you disposed (for safetv) 
of the Pagoda? — It is a delicate piece of stuff, and will require to be 
tenderly handled. — 

I expected that M' Macomb, if he found no other person was dis- 
posed to take the House off mv hands, would endeavour to impose his 
own terms : and allowing me only j^" 100 tor Seven Months use of it, 
when the rent (independent of the houses I put on the lots) is ^{'400, is 
a pretty strong evidence of it. — And if you do not take some meas- 
ures to see what can be had for the Wash house &: Stable he will impose 
his own terms there also. — But after all, we are in his power and he 
must do as he pleases with us. 

As the Lustre is paid for and securely packed up, and may suit the 
largest drawing room at M' Morris's, I do not incline to part with it — 

The 

10 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

The Franklin Stoves & other fixtures if they cannot be disposed of with- 
out loss must be brot. round with the other furniture — We may find 
use for them. — Such things as are freighted in the common way (if the 
Vessel you desired Col" Biddle to procure is unable to carry the whole) 
had better be of the kinds which require least care. — The Sale of the 
old Chariot was proper ; for although the price is small it will be so much 
saved for the public. — If much worn or lumbering articles, could be 
disposed of to any tolerable account, might it not be better to sell them 
at New York & buy (if necessary) new ones at Philadelphia than to pay 
freight for them round ? — 

M'' Morris has a Mangle (I think they are called) for Ironing of 
Clothes, which, as it is fixed in the place where it is commonly used, she 
proposed to leave, and take mine. To this I have no objection, provided 
mine is equally good & convenient ; but if I should obtain any advant- 
age besides that of its being up & ready for use I am not inclined to 
receive it. — 

M''* Washington and all of this family unite in best wishes for you 

and M''* Lear and 

I am Your Sincere friend and 

Affectionate Servant 

G? Washington. 



Mount Vernon October j"* 1790. 
Dear Sir, 

Your letters of the 11^ ult° came safe. — I wish the information given 
by M"' Dan' Parker to Doct^ Craigee may prove true — No mention of 
such event is in Morris's letter to me ; but the date is prior to that of 
M"^ Parker's by six days. — The Declaration & Counter-declaration of 
the Ministers of Britain & Spain are published with the communication 
thereof to the Lord Mayor of London ; and yet, it seems to be the opin- 
ion of some of the paragraphists, that the matter remains unsettled. — 
Further information (not contained in the Newspapers) of these, or any 
other interesting matters, you would do well to give me the earliest intel- 
ligence 



II 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

ligence of. — M' Jefferson being from New York will, more than 
probable, delay official advices through the Office of Foreign Affairs longer 
than it otherwise would be, in coming to me. — 

I request after you get to Philadelphia, & previous to your arrival 
there, that you W* use your best endeavors to ascertain the characters, or 
reputation of such Schools as it may be proper to place Washington' at, 
so soon as we shall be fixed in our New habitation ; — particularly if there 
be any fit School in the college for him, under good and able Tutors, & 
well attended. — His trip to Mount Vernon will be of no Service to 
him, but will render restraint more necessary than ever. — If the college 
is under good regulations, and have proper Tutors there for boys of his 
standing to prepare them for the higher branches of education quere 
whether it would not be better to place him in it at once ? — The pre- 
sumption being, that a system prevails, by which the gradations are better 
corrected than they are in Schools which have no correspondence with 

each other. — M^ S is a man of acknowledged abilities, but 

it may not be well perhaps to say more in a letter, — especially as his 
re-instatement may have given rise to a reform of that conduct w'*' did 
not escape censure formerly. — 

The enclosed letters having been put under cover to me, will of 
course occasion delay in the receipt of them by you, & Fidas — In ail y'' 
communications respecting the Servants, no mention has been made of 
John's wife — What do you understand to be her plan ? — Enclosed 
is a letter from him to her, or some friend, I suppose, of hers — and 
another from James to his del Toboso. — 

If I have not already advised you of it, it is necessary now to do so, 
that IVl" Stuart has paid for the tickets you purchased tor her and M" 
Alexander, — that was — 

When you can get at the last letter, or letters of the Count de Estaing 

to 

1 Meaning George Washington Parke Custis, the grandson of Mrs. Washington. She was born in 17J2 and married Daniel 
Parke Custis in 1749. They had four children, of whom two died in infancy. Martha Parke Custis was born in 1755 and died in 
her seventeenth year. John Parke Custis, the son, born in I75J, married Eleanor Calvert, and had four children. He was serving 
under Washington as an aide when Cornwallis surrendered, October 19, 1781, and died November 5, 1781. General Washington 
immcdiatclv adopted his two youngest children, Eleanor Parke Custis and George Washington Parke Custis. Eleanor was born 
at Abingdon, Va., in March, 1779, married Lawrence Lewis, Washington's favorite nephew, in 1799, and died July 15, 1852. 
She was greatly beloved by Washington and was one of the most beautiful women of her time. Her brother was born at Ml. Airy, 
Md., April jo, 17S1, and died at Arlington House, on the Potomac, October 10, 1857. After the death of his sister in 1852, he was 
the sole surviving member of Washington's family, and for many years his residence was a favorite resort, owing to the interesting 
relics of the family which it contained. His estate is now the site of Arlington cemetery. In early life he married Mary Lee 
Filzhugh, and his daughter, Mary Randolph Custis (1806-187;), married Roben £. Lee, in June, lS}i. 

12 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 



to me, I wish you would send me a transcript of what he says, or whether 
anything, of a Bust he has sent me of M'' Necker,' together with a number 
of prints of that Gentleman and the Marquis de la Lafayette which are 
come to my hands in a package from Baltimore. We all join in best 
wishes for you & M" Lear and I am 

Y^ Sincere friend 

and affect' Serv' 

G? Washington. 
M" Lear. 



Mount Vernon Oct"^ lo''' 1790. 
Dear Sir, 

Your letters of the 26''' & 30'"^ of the last, & j"* of the present Month, 
have duly come to hand. — 

Without entering into the details, I can assure you that I am per- 
fectly satisfied with the steps you have taken respecting the Vessel which 
is to bring the furniture & Servants to Philadelphia — With your agree- 
ments with M'' Macomb, & whatever you shall do with the Houses I was 
compelled to build, on his Lots. — With your conduct towards, & 
agreement with M"' & M^^ Hyde. — And with your taking the Carpet- 
ing from Barry & Rogers, although it arrived much after the time it ought, 
by agreement, to have been delivered. — As M"' Macomb will, more 
than probable, get the Houses for little or nothing, you acted very 
properly I think in taking down the Closets, partitions & fixtures which 
I purchased of the French Minister and which would have been equally 
convenient to him rather than encrease his gain at my loss. — If the 
Vessel will bring them, they can unquestionably, be made useful in our 
intended habitation — if not they will probably fetch something. 

The easy and quiet temper of Fanny is little fitted I find for the care 

of 



I James Necker was the French minister of finance when the revolution broke out in France in 1789. He was a native of 
Geneva, Switzerland, and went to France as ambassador for the republic. In 1765 he obtained the office of syndic to the East 
India Company, and in 177J was made director of the royal treasury. He exhibited great ability, and twice, though a foreigner, 
was prime minister of France. He was popular with the people at the breaking out of the revolution, but fearing a change in public 
sentiment returned to Switzerland, where he remained till his death in 1S04, aged 72. His daughter married Baron dc Slacl HoU 
stein, a Swedish ambassador at the court of France. She was the Madame dc btael, well known in the world of letters. Count 
D'Estaing was born in Ruvel, Auvergne, France, in 1729. He became vice-admiral in the French navy in 1767. He had twice 
commanded a French fleet on our coast, in co-operation with American land forces, during the war for independence. He became 
a member of the Assembly of Notables in the early part of the French revolution and in 1792 was chosen admiral. Being sus- 
pected of an unfriendly feeling towards the Terrorists, he was destroyed by the guillotine April 28, 1794. 

13 



IV .4 S H I N G T O N TO LEAR 

V of my Niece Harriot Washington', who is grown almost, if not quite a 
Woman ; & what to do with her at the advanced size she is arrived at, I 
am really at a loss. — Her age (just turned of 14) is not too great for a 
Boarding School, but to enter wow with anv tolerable prospect, the Mistress 
ot it must not only be respectable, but one who established & will enforce 
good rules. — She is prone to idleness, & having been under no controul, 
would create all the difficulty. — I have formed no resolution respecting 
what will be proper for me to do with her; but that I may the better 
judge, I request that you will enquire whether there be a proper School 
(tor her to board ^t) in Philadelphia. — If so, whether there are at it, 
genteel girls of her size & age. — Who the Mistress of it is, — what her 
character —Terms &c are — the numbers at it, — who of the principal fami- 
lies and how they are entertained & accomodated. — I have not intimi- 
dated anything of this matter to Harriot as yet ; who, if it should be, 
would I dare say be a good deal alarmed as she had, I dare say, rather 
mix with other company than be in a Boarding School. — Among other 
things, enquire what is taught at these Schools. — I must further desire, 
that, in pursuing vour enquiries after a School for Washington, particu- 
larly if one is to be found in the College at Philadelphia fit tor him; that 
you would extend them to the reputation of the higher branches in that 
Seminary; & whether much good could be expected from my fixing my 
Nephews George & Lawrence in it. — From what I can find they are 
doing but little in Alexandria, having left the studv of the Languages, & 
indeed M^ McWhir, and are learning French & the I\Lathematics under a 
M' Harrow. — George & indeed Lawrence, I am told are well disposed 
Youths — neither of them wanting capacity; and both, especially the first, 
very desirous of improvement.- — I would wish to know what their Studies 
& board would stand them annually. — In a word, the best estimate 
(exclusive of Cloaths) the expence of fixing them at that place. — 

As I have no account yet of what has been done, or is doing to our 
new habitation, or what ideas to annex to M' Morris' information to you, 
that the House would not be ready for your reception betore the 10^ of 
the present Month, I should be glad to receive a tull statement of these 
matters as soon as you arrive at Philadelphia & have time to look into 
things. We 

I Harriet WasbingtoD was the daug;hter of Ge«rfe Washington's brother Samuel. She lived at Mount Vernon acTcral years. 

14 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

We all join in best wishes to you & M" Lear — and for your & the 
safe arrival of everything in Philadelphia. 

With sincere regard and Affec" 

I am, Yours 

G? Washington. 
M" Lear. 



Mount Vernon Ocf 27'*' 1790. 
Dear Sir, 

On Sunday last I returned from a twelve days excursion up the 
Potomaclc & found your letters of the 6'*^ & 10^ from New York, and the 
14'*^ & 17''' from Philadelphia. — I am very glad to hear that you are all 
arrived at the latter place safe — and the furniture, as you conceive, in good 
order. — It was very right to give Johns wife the same privilege that 
was allowed to others, and M' & M'^ Hyde's coming in the stage is equally 
agreeable to me. — 

I have no particular directions to give respecting the appropriation 
of the furniture. — By means of the Bow windows the back rooms will 
become the largest, & so of course will receive the furniture of the largest 
dining & drawing rooms, & in that case, although there is no closet within 
the former, there are some in the Steward's room directly opposite which 
are not inconvenient; or (but here I am speaking somewhat at random, 
not knowing to what use it has hitherto been applied) there is a small 
room adjoining the Kitchen (by the Pump) that might if it is not essen- 
tial for other purposes be appropriated for the Images, Sevres China', and 
other things of this sort which are not in common use. — - M" Morris 
who is a notable lady in family arrangements, can give you much infor- 
mation in all the conveniences about the House & buildings ; and I dare 
say 

1 Undoubtedly Washington referred to the sets of china that had been presented, one to himself and the other to Mrs. Wash- 
ington, by the officers of the French army. Lossingsays: "The former was a dull white in color, with heavy and confused 
scroll and leaf ornaments in bandeaux of deep blue, and having upon the sides of the cups and tureens, and in the bottom of the 
plates, saucers, and meat dishes, the Order of the Cincinnati, held by Fame, personated by a winged woman with a trumpet. 
These designs were skillfully painted in delicate colors. These sets of china were presented to Washington and his wife at the time 
when the elegant and costly Order of the Cincinnati was sent to him. The set of china presented to Mrs. Washington was of 
similar material, but more delicate in color than the General's. The ornamentation was also far more delicate, excepting the 
delineation of the figure and Cincinnati Order on the former. Around the outside of each cup and tureen, and the inside of each 
plate and saucer, is painted in delicate color, a chain of thirteen large and thirteen elliptical links, Within each large link is the 
name of one of the original thirteen states. On the sides of the cups and tureens, and in the bottom of each plate and saucer is the 
interlaced monogram of Martha Washington enclosed in a beautiful green wreath, composed of the leaves of the laurel and olive. 
Beneath this is a ribbon, upon which is inscribed, in delicately traced letters, Decui ct lutamen aft iUo, From the wreath are rays 
of gold, which give a brilliant appearance to the pieces. There is also a delicate colored stripe around the edges of the cups, 
saucers, and plates." 

15 



X/^ 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

say would rather consider it as a compliment to be consulted in these 
matters (as she is so near) than a trouble to give her opinion of them or 
in putting up any of the fixtures as the House is theirs & will revert to 
them with the advantages or disadvantages which will result from the 
present establishment of things. — I am very glad you pressed them not 
to incommode themselves by an inconvenient remove — We are very 
happy to hear of her recovery, & request you to present our compliments 
of congratulation to her & M'' Morris on the occasion. — 

I am very anxious to have the Rent which I am to pay for my new 
residence ascertained before I take up my quarters in it — You will 
perceive by the enclosed answer to a letter I wrote to M"^ Morris on the 
subject that this point is yet unsettled. — Previous to my application to 
M'' Morris, I was informed by the Committee with whom I had con- 
versed on the subject that it was well understood I was to pay rent — I 
have therefore to request that you will get the matter fixed in some 
way or other with them. — A just value I am willing to pay^ — more I 
have no idea will be asked but my fears rather are that they want to make 
it the expence of some public body (which I shall not consent to) and 
that they do not care to avow it. — 

If the Servants can be conveniently accomodated without using 
the Stable loft it will certainly be much the best & safest ; for I am cer- 
tain no orders given to my people w"* restrain them from carrying lights 
if they were to be in it as lodgers. — 

I send you a letter with the Bill of loading for wines shipped by 
Fenwick, Mason &c which, if arrived you will give the necessary orders 
about. — By return of the person who carries this & other letters to the 
Post Office in Alexandria I expect to receive accounts of later date than 
the ly'i^ from you; and, possibly, something more indicative of Peace, 
or War between Spain & England which has hung long in suspence. — 
Our best wishes attend you and M" Lear and 

1 am Dear Sir 

Y' affect, friend 

G? Washington. 
M» Lear. 



i6 



i 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 



Mount Vernon Ocf 31^' 1790- 
Dear Sir, 

I have received your letter of the 24''' since the date of my last to 
you ; and am very glad to hear that the most valuable parts of the furni- 
ture have borne their transportation without receiving damage, and that 
your expectation of equal success with respect to the remainder, is 
sanguine. — I am pained, however, to find there is a doubt that the 
House will not be completely finished & ready for our reception towards 
the latter end of next month. — At all times this would be attended 
with inconvenience, but at that season, & while Congress are in Session, 
it would be exceedingly so. — As the Pagoda can be put up in half an 
hour, at any time, it may (if not already disposed of) remain unfixed 
until we arrive ; and, that I may be in Philadelphia in time, it is my 
present intention to leave this place on Monday the 11^ of next 
Month. — I could not clearly understand Col° Van Home when I 
applied to him (as I came through Baltimore) for a proper i^ convenient 
Stage Coach for part of the family to return in. — He said he could pro- 
vide, & would provide, & so on, but altho' he wanted to convey the idea 
of a certain reliance on him, it did not appear clear to me that I could rely 
on him for more than the common Stage Coach or Waggon ; — this being 
the case, and the driver who brought us hither being desirous of coming 
for us again, adding, that he could always get a freight to Alexandria, 
induces me to request that you would, as his was a large & roomy close 
Coach, his Horses good, & himself a careful driver, make enquiry (with- 
out entering into any engagement with the Proprietor) whether the same 
Coach, Horses & Man could be had ; and whether he wd. positively 
engage to be here on the 20* or 21^' of Nov'' if after hearing from you, 
I should request it. — The terms on which he would come must be 
explicitly defined, that I may, without delay, return a precise answer. — 
You will readily perceive, that I do not mean to place my sole depend- 
ence upon this Stage. — No : I shall by this conveyance, also write to 
Col° Vanhorne to know what absolute dependence may be placed on 
him. — Thus by having two Strings to my bow I may chuse the one 
which promises best. — You will readily perceive also, that there is no 

time 

17 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

time to spare in my hearing from you — you from me — and for the Coach 
to be here in time. — Col" Biddle can point out to you the man, who 
ought to know that his terms should be moderate, because Col° Van- 
horne's (as Horses will go from Stage to Stage only) must be lower than 
the last trip cost me. — 

I should conceive that, a wreath round the Crests that will be on 
the panels of the Coach, would be more correspondent with the Seasons 
wch. will remain thereon, than the Motto". — And that the Motto on 
such of the Plates as require it upon the Harness w'' be best but as this 
is mere matter of opinion, unaccompanied with a view of the work, I am 
so far from being tenacious of it that I shall leave it to you & him 
(Clarke) to adopt which of the two shall appear best, when the whole is 
taken into one view. — What appearance does the Coach assume at 
present ? — and how will it look when finished ? 

Is M" Brodeau's terms such as do actually exist — or, does she mean 
to avail herself of the occasion to commence a new aera in them ? — they 
(especially the Board) appear to be high. — Pray, without giving any 
expectation of Harriot to either, for I have decided nothing respecting 
her — know what are M''^ Pines terms. — M''^ Brodeau was, I under- 
stand, one of M''^ Morris's family — this may occasion a predilection in 
that quarter — M" Pines' standing in that way not being long, little may 
be said of her on that account, but she may be equally capable — & 
possibly more respectable than the other. — 

Let us know what answer was given or notice taken of the Extract 
which you have sent me from the letter of Count de Estaing when he 
was written to on the subject. — I fear I might not have been suffici- 
ently polite & thankful for his present, as the thing itself has entirely 
escaped me, & the Box with the Prints scarcely brought any recollection 
of the circumstances to my mind. — 

I have heard nothing yet of Capt" Vance, but am glad you sent the 
Sugar. — By mistake, a letter from James Tilghman, Esq"^, respecting a 

Legacy 



I The change here suggested in the emblazoning was made and instead of the entire coat of arms on the doors, the crest 
only was retained. When the effects of Washington were sold after his death, this coach was purchased by Mr. Custis of Arling. 
ton and in later years it became the property of the Right Rev. William Meade, bishop of Virginia. When it began to decay, 
he had it taken apart and broken up and the pieces were distributed and sold, the proceeds being applied to charity. About two- 
thirds of one of the wheels brought $140. 



•/ 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

Legacy to Miss Anderson, from Col° Colville, was enclosed to you in 

my last, which I desire may be returned in your next after the receipt of 

this as I shall want to answ'', even if I cannot comply with it. As we 

shall have new connections to form with different Tradesmen, find out 

those in each branch who stand highest for skill and fair dealing. — 'Tis 

better to be slow in chusing, than to be under the necessity of changing — 

and that it may be done upon sure grounds, compare one acc^ with 

another (for partialities, perhaps less laudable motives, mix very much in 

all these things) and see where the preponderancy is. — 

We all join in best wishes for you and M'^ Lear & with affect^ 

regard I am 

Y'' sincere friend, 

G? Washington. 
M" Lear. 



Mount Vernon Nov' f^ 1790. 
Dear Sir, 

Your letters of the 28''' & 31'' ult. are now before me, & the parts 
of them w'^'^ require it shall be answered. — 

If the Schools in the College are under good Masters, and as fit for 
Boys of Washington's standing as a private School, I am still of opinion 
(for the reasons mentioned in a former letter) that he had better be 
placed there in the first instance. — The propriety, however, of this will 
depend — i'" upon the character and ability of the Master under whose 
tuition he will be — 2** upon the police and discipline of the School — and 
3% upon the number of Boys ; — for I lay it down as a maxim, that if 
the number of the pupils is too great for the tutors, justice cannot be 
done, be the abilities of the latter what they will. — What the due pro- 
portion, beyond which it ought not to go, is in some measure matter of 
opinion, but an extreme must be obvious to all, & you will easily decide 
upon it in your own mind if nothing should be finally resolved upon by 
me, previous to my arrival. 

Enclosed I send you a letter from M' GouV Morris with the Bill 
of cost of the articles he was requested to send me. — The prices of 

the 

19 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

the plated ware exceeds — far exceeds the utmost bounds of my calcula- 
tion ; but as I am persuaded he has done what he conceived right, I am 
satisfied, and request you to make immediate payment to M'' Constable 
if you can raise the means. — The duties are also to be paid. You will 
see by the enclosed (left open for your perusal) that I have promised 
this. — Ought not the Sum remitted by Col° Humphreys to M' Morris 
to be deducted ? — Make this, without creating any difficulty, the subject 
of arrangement with M'' Constable. — As these Coolers are designed for 
warm weather, & will be, I presume, useless in cold, or in that which the 
liquors does not require Cooling ; — quere, would not a stand like that for 
Castors, with four apertures for as many different kinds of liquors, just 
sufficient (each aperture) to hold one of the Cut decanters sent by M' 
Morris, be more convenient for passing the Bottles from one to another, 
than handling each bottle separately ; by wh** it oftens happens that one 
bottle moves, another stops, & all are in confusion ? — Two of these, 
one for each end of the Table, with a flat Bottom with or without feet, (to 
prevent tilting) — open at the sides, but with a raised Rim as Castors have 
and an upright by way of handle in the middle, could not cost a great 
deal were they made wholly of Silver. — Talk to a Silver Smith & 
know the cost — & whether they could be immediately made, If required 
in a handsome fashion. — Perhaps the Coolers sent by M' Morris may 
afford ideas of taste — perhaps too (if they are not too heavy when exam- 
ined) they may supersede the necessity of such as I have described, by 
answering the purpose themselves. — Four d'''= flint glasses (such I 
expect M'' Morris has sent) will weigh, I conjecture, 4"" ; the wine in 
them when full, will be 8"' more ; these added to the weight of the Cool- 
ers, will, 1 fear, make these latter too unwieldly to pass ; especially by 
Ladies, which induced me to think of a frame in the form of Castors ; 
w"^*" by being open at bottom w"* save Silver". 

I approve — at least till inconvenience or danger shall appear — of 
the large table ornaments (images) remaining on the Side-boards ; & of 

the 



1 Washington's suggestion was adopted and Mr. Lear ordered a silversmith to make two of the caster-like frames of solid silver, 
and these were used when the President gave his first dinner to the orticers ot government and their wives and other distinguished 
guests. Lossing says : *' Their lightness and convenience commended them, and from that time they became fashionable, under 
the appropriate title o( caastirt. Thenceforth the wine cooler was left upon the sideboard, and the coaster alone was used for 
sending the wine around the table. For more than a quarter of a century afterwards, the coaster might be seen upon the table 
of every fashionable family in Philadelphia. Few persons, however, are aware that Washington was the inventor of it." 

20 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

the Pagoda's standing in the smallest drawing Room as you may have 
fixed it. — Had I delivered any sentiment from hence respecting the 
fixture, that is the apartment I sh"* have named for it. — Whether the 
Green which you have, or a new yellow Curtain, sho"^ be appropriated to 
the Stair case above the Hall, may depend upon your getting an exact 
match in colour &c of the latter. — For the sake of appearances one W* 
not, in instances of this sort, regard a small additional expence. — 

If the Servants can be accomodated without the rooms which were 
intended for them at the end of the Hall, the use you propose to put 
them to is certainly a good one. — But what is to become of Phidas 
and James' wives ? — Is it not their wishes to have their wives (if they 
incline to act as House Maids) with them ? — and will not the contrary 
be a foundation for the loss of their Husbands .^ — 

I hope my Study (that is to be) will be in readiness against I 
arrive. — And if the Rubbish and other litter occasioned by the People 
of Mortar, & the Carpenters, is at a stand, I wish that everything of 
the sort may be removed, and the yard made & kept as clean as the 
Parlour. — This was always the case in M'* Morris's time, and has 
become more essential now, as the best rooms are now back, and an unin- 
terrupted view from them into the Yard & Kitchen, which is nearly upon 
a level with the Dining Room. 

I am really sorry — -on public as well as private acc'^ — to hear of M"^ 
Hares loss. — You W* do well to lay in a pretty good stock of his, or 
some other Porter. — As M" Washington writes to M"^* Lear I shall add 
my best wishes to her only & affectionate regards to you — being 

Y^ sincere friend 

G? Washington. 



Mount Vernon Nov' 14''^ 1790. 

/ (Private.) 

Dear Sir, 

Having wrote two letters to you on the subject of Page's Stage 
Coach (one or the other of which, if not both, it is presumable will cer- 
tainly 

21 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 



tainly have got to hand before this can) 1 shall add no more thereto than 
that, the Coach of Page, is now my dependence. — 

I am, I must confess, exceedingly unwilling to go into a house with- 
out first knowing on what terms I do it ; and wish that this sentiment 
could, in a delicate way, be again hinted to the parties concerned with 
me. — I cannot, if there are no latent motives wh*" govern in this case, 
see any difficulty in the business. — M'' Morris has, most assuredly 
formed an idea of what ought — in equity — to be the Rent of the tene- 
ment in the condition he left it ; and with this aid, the Com" I conceive 
ought to be as little at a loss in determining on the terms it should rent 
for, with the additions & alterations which are about to be made ; — pre- 
sumably in a plain and neat manner — not by any means in an extrava- 
gant stile, because the latter is not only contrary to my wishes, but would 
in reality, be repugnant to my interest & convenience ; — principally, 
because it would be a means of keeping me from the use & comforts of 
the House to a later day ; and because the furniture and everything else 
would require to be accordant therewith besides its making tne pay an 
extravagant price perhaps, to suit the taste of others ; — to comply with 
reasonable charges of the workmen — or to be taxed with the blended 
expences of the two Houses (if they sometimes work at one, & some- 
times at the other). — I do not know, nor do I believe that anything 
unfair is intended by either M' Morris or the Committee, — but let us for 
a moment suppose that the rooms (the new ones I mean) should be 
hung with tapestry or a very rich and costly paper (neither of w'*" would 
suit my present furniture) — that costly ornaments for the Bow windows — 
extravagant Chimney pieces, &c, &c, were to be provided — that work- 
men were to charge a pound for that, which ought not to cost ten shill- 
ings ; — and that advantage would be taken of the occasion to new-paint 
every part of the House, Buildings, &c, would there be any propriety in 
adding ten, or li^j p' Cent for all these, to the rent of the house in its 
original state, for the two years that I am to hold it ? — If the solution 
of these questions are in the negative, wherein lyes the difficulty of 
determining that the Houses & lots when completed, agreeably to the 
plan proposed, ought to Rent for so much ? — After all is done that can 
be done, the residence will not be so commodious as the house I left in 

New York 



22 



WASHIN^GTON TO LEAR 

New York (with the buildings I added) ; for there — (& the want of it at 
M'' Morris's will be found a serious inconvenience) — my office was in a 
front room below, where persons on business immediately entered ; 
whereas in the present case, they will have to ascend two pairs of Stairs, 
and to pass by the public Rooms as well as private chambers, to get to 
it; — notwithstanding which, I am willing to allow as much as was paid to 
M"" Macomb, — & shall say nothing if more is demanded — unless there is 
apparent extortion ; and that the policy of delay is to see to what height 
Rents will rise before mine is fixed. — In either of these cases I should 
not be pleased, — and to occupy the premises at the expence of any public J 
body / will noL^ — There is one expression in your letter of the 4^*^ the 
meaning of which is somewhat doubtful — viz — " The additions, repairs, 
&c of the house in which M^ Morris now lives, are likewise to be com- 
prehended in the expenditures to be refunded by the Rent of this 
House/* — Is it meant by this that the Rent of the House I am to go 
into is to be encreased by the expenditures on the one M'" Morris has re- 
moved to, or that the Rent of the first is to be considered as a security only 
for payment of the latter? — If this is all, I have nought to say against 
it. — But dire necessity would only induce me to submit to the other. — 
We all unite in best wishes for you and M" Lear and I am 

Y^ Sincere and 

Affectionate friend 

G? Washington. 
Tobias Lear, Esq** 

I As these letters show, Washington was greatly concerned regarding the rent of Robert Morris's house, which bad been 
fitted up for his occupancy. Various cities earnestly desired to be chosen as the permanent scat of the government and the strife 
soon became very bitter. Indeed, it was feared that the Union itself might fail. As early as December, 1788, the legislature of 
Virginia had otfered to present to the United States a tract of land ten miles square, anywhere within the bounds of that common- 
wealth. Maryland made a similar offer. The residents of New York, Lancaster, Princeton and Annapolis urged their claims upon 
the congress. The people of Trenton, N. J., petitioned to have the capital there, while the people of Philadelphia, elated at the action 
of congress in removing from New York, were determined that Philadelphia should be selected. Some representatives, learning 
that Wright's Ferry, now Wrightsvillc, on the Susquehanna, in Pennsylvania, was the nearest to the center of population and 
wealth, declared that it would remain so indefinitely and the house passed a resolution making this place the national capital. 
The senate amended by inserting Germaniown ; the house refused to concur and the controversy continued. Meanwhile Alex- 
ander Hamilton had been insisting that the Federal government should assume the debts of the several states which had come as 
legacies of the Revolution and which, he declared, constituted the "■ price of liberty." Though beaten on this point, the con- 
gressmen from the North were strong enough to prevent the selection of a Southern city as the national capital, and suggested a 
compromise. At length one was agreed upon ; the nation assumed the debts of the states and on July 16, 1790, congress passed an 
act which provided •■' that a district of territory not exceeding ten miles square, to be located on the river Potomac at some place 
between the mouths of the Eastern Branch and Conogocheague be accepted for the permanent scat of the government of the 
United States." The necessary cessions of land were made by Virginia and Maryland, the survey was made, and on March jo, 
I79i,the President issued a proclamation making known the bounds of the Federal district. For ten years, pending the erec- 
tion of suitable buildings, Philadelphia was to remain the national capital. One of the plans of those residents of Philadelphia 
who were determined that their city should be chosen as the permanent capital was to provide the residence for the President, 
thinking if they could pay the rent they would have a powerful argument on their side. Washington, of course, was aware of i 
this, would not be a partv to the scheme, and was determined to occupy an independent position. No doubt, too, he favored ^J 
another location. The rent for Morris's house was finally fixed at $j, 000 and on November 2Z, 1790, Washington left Mount 
Vernon accompanied by Mrs. Washington and Master and Miss Custis. They traveled in a coach drawn by four horses and 
reached Philadelphia on the 28th. Mr. Lear had brought the furniture from New York, purchased some in Philadelphia, and had 
arranged the house to the satisfaction of the President and his wife. 

23 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 



J 



George Town March 28''' 1791. 
Dear Sir, 

Late this afternoon your letters of the 23'' & 24''' instant came to 
hand, and as the Mail is about to be closed (leaving this before sun rise in 
the morning) I shall, as I must, be short. 

I return some letters to be filed ; — one from Col° Blaine to be given 
to Gen' Knox, to be acted upon as he pleases ; — he is as well acquainted 
with the man as I am, & knows the want of such a character better than 
I do; — another letter from Col° Cannon, which I may venture to say 
proves him to be, what I will not call him ; and, that I need never look 
for any Rents from him. — I pray you to say to him, if he does not 
come to Philadelphia during my absence, that his own statement — given 
in at New York — does not justify his pres' report — and that I am too well 
acquainted with the prices of grain and the dem'' for it last year in his own 
neighbourhood to be imposed upon by such a tale as his letter exhibits. — 
In a word, that I am by no means satisfied with his treatment of me; — 
for sure I am I shall get nothing from him but assurances of improve- 
ments, whilst he is either applying my rents to his own use — or suffering 
the tenants to go free from the payment of them. 

One of the Pads to the Waggon harness was left, it seems, at M"^ 
Clark's — send it by the Stage to Alexandria ; — if it comes too late the 
matter will not be great. — I am not able to say yet, how long I shall 
be detained in this place — where I arrived before breakfast this morning. 

I am — Your affect' 

G? Washington. 

P. S. — I send with my best remembrance a Sermon for M" W n — 

I presume it is good, coming all the way from New Hampshire, but do 
not vouch for it not having read a word of it. — It was one of your 
enclosures. — 

/ Mount Vernon April j"* 1791. 

Dear Sir, 

Since my last to you — from George Town — I have, I believe, 

received your letters of the 23'', 24''', & 27'*^ ult. 

Whether 

24 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

Whether a certain Gentleman is the man I conceived him to be, or 
such a one as is hinted at in the letter you enclosed me, is not yet certain ; 
but, admitting the latter, it is too late to look back. — I cannot be in a 
less productive situation by the engagement than I was ; — the principal 
disadvantage resulting from it will be, that I can never count upon the 
payments until they are actually made ; — consequently, can never specu- 
late upon the money which I wished to have done. — If I recollect rightly, 
there is something in Col" Cannons letter (transmitted to you) concerning 
the Kanhaway lands — if it is indicative of an intention to let them, or, that 
he conceives himself empowered to do it, I desire you will inform him of 
the Sale of them. — 

You did well in forwarding the letters from the Western territory, 
although they were, upon opening of them, found to be laws only. — 

Until we can restrain the turbulance and disorderly conduct of our 
own borderers it will be in vain I fear to expect peace with the Indians, — 
or that they will govern their own people better than we do our's. 

M' Jefferson's ideas with respect to the dispatches for me, is a very 
good one, & I desire it may be put into execution. — I send you some 
letters to file, not finding it convenient to be encumbered with them on 
my journey. — My best wishes attend M''^ Lear and I am 

Y'' sincere friend and 

Affectionate Servant, 

G? Washington. 



Fredericksburgh June 12''' 1791- 
Dear Sir, 

Yesterday we arrived at this place in good health, but with horses 
much worn down.' — To-morrow I expect to reach M' Vernon — where, 
even if my horses were able to proceed, I am obliged to remain until the 
27''' instant — the dav appointed by me at the last meeting, to meet the 
Commissioners^ at George Town, in order to fix on the spot for the public 
buildings, and for other purposes, arising from the residence Act. — 

I 

1 During the past few weeks Washington had been making a tour of the Southern states. 

2 The first commissioners of the new Federal district were appointed by the President on January 12, 1791 — Thomas Johnson 
and Daniel Carroll of Maryland, and David Stewart of Virginia. 

25 



J 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

I have, at this place, received your letter of the 30''' ult ; but none 
of an intermediate date between that of the 15''' and it. — Your directions 
to have them sent cross-wise the Country, was unlucky — first, because 
there are no cross-posts. — 2'' because my rout back was not irrevocably 
fixed — and 2^ because I had, knowing these circumstances, directed from 
Charleston all letters which might be following me, to be returned to this 
place to await my call. — The slow movement of the Mail in the three 
Southern states prevented (I presume) these directions getting to Rich- 
mond before the letters were forwarded to Taylors Ferry — & my crossing 
at Carters (a ferry much higher up James River) has been the cause, or 
causes, I imagine, of my missing them. — 

Being interrupted by visitors, I shall postpone until I arrive at M' 
Vernon, further communications; — the principal, indeed the only purpose 
of this letter being, to advise you of my arrival at this place, and of my 
intended stay at Mount Vernon, for the reason which I have assigned. — 
My best wishes attend you, M" Lear & the Child; and I am sincerely 
& affectionately 

G? Washington. 
M" Lear. 



Mount Vernon 15'*^ June 1791. 
Dear Sir, 

Your letter of the 29''' ult" I acknowledged the receipt of from Fred- 
ericksburgh — since which, another of the 5''' inst' has been received. — 

The Commissions for Whitaker and McDonell were properly issued 
as those also are menf^ in y"" letter of the 5^ — and it was on my mind, that 
blank Commissions signed by me, were lett with you for the Officers of 
the Revenue Cutters ; — This not being the case, quere, if there is not a 
necessity of sending some to me for my signature, as I shall not leave this 
before the 27^ — mav be detained at George Town two or three days — 
and must, afterwards, proceed slowly, on ace' of the low condition of my 
horses. — The Secretary of the Treasury will be able to decide on this 
point, & I wish vou to act in the matter accordingly as he shall advise 

you. — 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

you. — I find another of the Federal Judges (Hopkinson) has by his death 
occasioned a vacancy in the district of Pennsylvania. — As some have, 
& others unquestionably will apply for the appointment, I wish you 
would use every indirect means in your power, to ascertain the public 
opinion with respect to the fittest character as a successor to Hopkinson. — 
Pursue the same mode to learn who it is thought would fill the present 
auditors office (as he will be appointed Comptroler) with the greatest abil- 
ity & integrity. — Several have been brought to my view for the Comp- 
trolers place (who I suppose would accept of the Auditors) as able & 
meritorious characters ; — among these are the names of M"^ Richmond, the 
present Comptroler or Auditor of Maryland — Col° Pickering, M' Kean, 
Col° Drayton, a Gent" of S° Carolina — Col" Forrest and others. 

It is hardly to be expected by the Trustees oi any college, that com- 
plaints will not be made by the parents or friends of the boys who go to 
it if they conceive they are neglected ; — and if Trustees mean to do their 
duty, & support the reputation of the Siminary, they ought, I am sure, 
to be thankful for such founded representations of neglect in the CEConomy 
— police — or inattention of the professors & teachers. — 

I am glad to hear that the aflfairs of our own family are going on 
well — and it might not be improper to hint to the Servants who are with 
you (before they are joined by those with me) that it will be very idle & 
foolish in them, to enter into any combinations for the purpose of sup- 
planting those who are now in authority — for the attempt in the first place 
will be futile, & must recoil upon themselves ; — and because, admitting 
they were to make the lives of the present Steward and house-keeper so 
uneasy as to induce them to quit, others would be got to supply their 
places ; and such too, as would be equally, if not more rigid in the exac- 
tion of the duties required of Servants. — In a word, that these characters 
are indispensably necessary to take trouble off the hands of M''^ Wash- 
ington & myself, & will be supported ; any attempt therefor to counteract 
them in the line of their duty, whilst they act agreeably to established rules, 
& their conduct is marked with propriety, will be considered as the 
strongest evidence they can give of their own unworthiness, and dispositions 
to be lazy, if not dishonest. — A good & faithful servant is never afraid, 
or unwilling to have his conduct looked into, but the reverse ; because 

the 

27 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

the more it is inspected, the brighter it shines. — With respect to the 
other matters of a domestic nature — mentioned in your letter of the 5''' — 
I shall postpone touching upon them till I see you. — We are suffering 
in these parts by a severe drought — -grass is scarcely worth cutting — & 
Oats, if Rain keeps off two or 3 days longer must be ruined — corn is bad, 
but it is too early in the year to form an opinion of the yield of it. — 
Remember me to M"^ Lear and be assured of the sincere esteem & 

friendship of 

Y' affecf^ 

G? Washington. 



y/ Mount Vernon June 19''" 1791. 

Dear Sir, 

Since my last to you (from this place) I have received your letters 
of the 12''' immediately from Philadelphia, and those of the 17''' and 24''' 
of April after their having taken a trip to the Southward. — 

I find by M" Washington's letters that M"' Frauncis is very desirous 
of introducing M^^ Read into the family again ; this idea it would be well 
for him to relinquish at once, & forever ;— for, unless there are reasons 
inducing it, which my imagination cannot furnish, it will never happen. — 
Herculas can answer every purpose that M^ Read would do, and others 
which she will not ; and sure I am that the difference in the expence 
between the two will bear no comparison ; — besides, supposing M"* Read 
to act fairly & honestly (which by the bye I do not believe she is disposed 
to do) if she is not to be absolute mistress of her own conduct — ^in a word, 
uncontroulable, she would not remain in the family a month. — She 
would also increase the number, and of course the expence of the second 
Table ; which under the administration of M' Hyde, I believe was equal 
to the first (public days excepted). — But I hope it is a matter clearly 
understood by M"' Frauncis that Wine is not to be used at it again under 
any pretence whatsoever ; for there can be no line drawn it it be once 
admitted ; either as to the quantity or quality that will be drank at it. — 

By the last Post, the letter of Mess'' Fenwick & Mason, explanatory 
of the Wine from Charleston, was forwarded to you ; — & I should be 

glad 

28 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 



glad that the wine was reed, in good order ; for no attempts of that Ho. 
hitherto, seems to have succeeded well, so far as I am concerned in them. — 
The other Wine to M'' Jefferson will, I presume, be divided, and settled 
for, as soon as he shall have returned from his Northern tour. — 

Without going into the detail on the several points of y"' letters I can 
assure vou that the measures you have adopted with regard to Washing- 
ton — George & Lawrence — my black people — & the employment of M"^ 
Frauncis & M'^'^ Emerson, as far as they have been communicated, meet 
my entire approbation ; — and I wish you to inculcate strongly upon the 
white Servants of the family, (as mentioned in my last) that it will be vain 
& idle in them to suppose, that by a combination they will avoid their 
own duties — or can effect the discharge of those to whom the management 
of the Household business is committed. — They must be sensible, that 
they have as high wages as are given to any Servants in their respective 
stations — that they are as well provided — & perhaps better paid than most 
— and no extra duties imposed upon them ; consequently, that if an 
attempt of this sort is made, it will recoil upon themselves. — I shall 
communicate the same sentiments to those who are with me, that, if they 
do sin, it shall be with their eyes open, and under a knowledge of the 
consequences. 

As I shall have occasion for a number of blankets for my people this 
fall ; — and as the best time to purchase them, I am told, is after the 
Winter's demand is over ; I should be glad if you would make a pretty 
diligent enquiry after them before I arrive ; that I may know whether and 
upon what terms, I can get supplied. — It is probable I may want near 
two hundred. — 

The Maj'' desires' me to write for half a bushel of Turnip seed of 
the best kind — viz — a peck of White Summer — and the other peck of the 
red winter ; — but a good winter and good Summer Turnip of any other 
kind, I suppose will do. — It must be sent soon, or both will be useless. — 

I should like to see M' Payne's answer to M"^ Burke's Pamphlet;^ — 
if it is to be had, & could be sent off by the Post on friday, it would meet 

me 

I The Major was George Augualtnc Washington, son of George Washington's brother Charles, and at this time was assist- 
ing in the supervision of the Mount Vernon property. 

1 Referring to Thomas Paine, whose pamphlet on the *•*■ Rights of Man " was written in answer to Edmund Burlce's famous 
letter to a French gentleman in 1790 entitled ^^ Reflections on the Revolution in France." 

29 



ir A S H I N G T O N TO LEAR 

me at George Town on Monday the sy'*"; where I shall be, & from 
whence I shall proceed ; — but on what day is more than I am able to 
determine until 1 go there, and shall see what is necessary to be done at 
that place towards carrying the Law respecting the permanent residence 
of the Government into effect. — To do this, there are many matters to 
decide upon ; and some of them not a little difficult. — It is not very 
probable therefore that I shall leave George Town before Thursday; but 
I would not have such dependence placed on this, as to expect letters will 
meet me there on Wednesday evening ; — especially as it is in distant con- 
templation (if upon enquiry at George town it shall be found that the 
difference in the length of the two roads is not great) to return by the way 
of Frederick town, York & Lancaster, to Philadelphia. 

Paris has become so lazy, self willed & impudent, that John (the 
Coachman) had no sort of government of him; — on the contrary, Jno. 
says it was a maxim with Paris to do nothing he was ordered, and every 
thing he was forbid. — This conduct, added to the incapacity of Giles 
for a Pistilion, who I believe will never be able to mount a horse again 
for that purpose, has induced me to find Paris some other employment 
than in the Stable — of course I shall leave him at home. — A boy, or 
two may be necessary there, to assist about the horses — Carriages — & har- 
ness — but these (dutch ones) it is possible may be had for their victuals 
&: cloaths ; especiallv if there are large importations from Germany (as 
some articles in the papers say there will be). — I mention the matter 
now, that in case arrivals should happen before I get back, of these kind 
of People, you may be apprised of my wishes — low and squat (well made) 
boys, would suit best. — If emigrants are not to be had, there can be no 
doubt, but that some of the Dutch Servants in the family could easily 
procure such as are wanted from among the Citizens — & perhaps none 
readier, or better than by John himself when he arrives. — Remember 
me to Mrs. Lear — and be assured of the esteem and regard of 

Y-^ affect^ 
M" Lear. G? Washington. 



30 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 



Mount Vernon Septr. 26th 1791. 
Dear Sir, 

Since my last to you I have received your two letters of the 21" 
instant ; one dated in the morning, and the other in the evening of that 
day. — 

What appeared to you to be the object of the formal enquiries of M' 
Powell and the Mayor of the City, in their late interrogatories ? — Did 
they mean to convict M"' Gallatine of mis-representation — or me of an 
improper interference in the building of the House for the President of 
the United States ? — If the first, M'' Gallatine may speak for himself; — 
If the latter, I have no scruple in declaring to those Gentlemen or to any 
others that no one has a right to publish sentiments as mine that were 
never uttered, or conceived by me ; — especially too after the reverse had 
been explicitly declared to M'' Fisher at his own request wch. was made 
as he professed to answer a particular purpose.—- Previous to the above 
communication to M^ Fisher, I do not recollect that I ever expressed a 
sentiment respecting the public building. — To a Pennsylvanian, or one 
wishing to promote the measure, I am certain I never did : — but after- 
wards, when I found my want of accomodation & consequent dissatisfac- 
tion was adduced as argument to support the measure, I was inclined that 
the following truth should be known — first, that I never had, since I got 
rid of the workmen, expressed any dissatisfaction with my accomodations. — 
Secondly, That as I have already made two expensive removals, and had 
not long to remain in office, I would not make a third, unless I was com- 
pelled to do it — and thirdly, under these circumstances, and a thorough 
conviction that the proposed building might be delayed, and still erected 
in time for my Successor — It was candid and fair to make these sentiments 
known — especially as they were accompanied with a pointed declaration 
that it was only as the building regarded myself personally that they were 
communicated ; having no desire to intermeddle in the politics of the 
State. — 

I am glad you stated the matter in writing to M"^ Powell. — Senti- 
ments, and communications expressed in that manner, cannot be 
misconceiv'd or mis-represented, from the want of recollection. — I hope 

there 

31 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

there is no intention of adding near 50 p^ C to the Rent of the House I 
occupy; for I ■a;^// remember my desiring you to inform the Committee 
that I must and would know upon what terms I was to Inhabit the House 
and y' you told me they had fixed the Rent at ^500 p' Ann. — 

If you have not already made a purchase of Blankets, I wish you to 
suspend doing it until you hear from me again. — I am about to send 
this day to Alexandria, where it is said large importations of this article 
have been made, to learn the qualities, and price of the Dutch Blanket- 
ing. — Sitgreaves Mem° is not explicit enough to enable me to judge of 
the size, or quality of his — The only sort of them which are applicable to 
mv use, are inserted thus " Striped Duffells 115/ to 180/ per piece of 15 
blankets "; this brings the lowest of these to 9/ & the highest to 12/ each 
which is high, supposing them of the largest size, & of the first quality. — 
If you will mention in vour next the length & breadth of the different 
sizes, & whether they are of the best quality, I shall be better able to 
decide. — 

I do not recollect whether I mentioned to you in my last that the 
Major got home a day or two before us — He is much better than he 
was ; but not vet free from the pain in his breast & Cough. — 

M" Washington and all the family (which at present is prettv num- 
erous) join me in best wishes for yourself, M" Lear, Maj"^ Jackson & the 

Child. 

I am, Dear Sir 

Your sincere friend 

and affect^ Servant, 

G? Washington. 



Mount Vernon Oct' 1^ 1791- 
Dear Sir, 

Since my last to you, which I think was written on this day week, I 
have received your letters of the 25''' and 27'*' ult°. 

I am not yet enabled to speak decisively with respect to the Blank- 
ets. — Many have arrived, but are not yet opened, in Alexandria. — 

M' Wilson 

32 



^.^-.^--..r^- 



v^Nr-V-"=iJ5r- 



1. t, A R 



rhe Rf Mouse I 

bit the House 



ish you to 

it to send 

of this article 



of 15 

'■h 

nr 

Co 

lat the 
HI LCI ilian he 

--VL>£^'V-T/<3'^^^|>«'-"^?'^^^z-4?^^''''^ 3 pretty num- 

- yoursei^M" 'ackson & the 

ir Sir 



St to vou. 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

yi' Wilson, who has imported of them largely, at from 56/ to 75/ sterg. 
p'' piece of i 5 blankets ; has offered them to me at 70 p' O but as he cannot 
before they are opened give the size, or quality, it is impossible to say 
whether they will come cheap or dear. — I shall ascertain this matter 
before Friday next & will then write you on the subject again. — 

Letters & Papers from you by the Posts on Wednesdays & Fridays 
will come to me as soon as those which may be forwarded on Mondays, 
as I do not send to the Office on Wednesdays ; which is the day the Mail 
arrives there that leaves Philadelphia on Monday. — Those which leave 
that place on Wednesday comes in on Friday — and the Friday's mail 
arrives on Monday & these are the days I shall send up for letters &c. 

I send two French letters to be translated & forwarded to me. — 

It is a little singular, when considered on the score of candor, that 

M'' P should suffer M'' S to assert what he did in the 

S without contradicting him ; — but the views, and conduct of the 

City Influence stands in need of no development in my mind. — Nor 

have I a much higher opinion of the candor of M"^ F . He is very 

welcome however to the copy of the letter you wrote to M"' P. & with 
which you furnished him, as I wish the sentiments therein expressed to 
be generally known ; since the matter has been introduced into the Legis- 
lature of the State, & so unfairly stated, as it appears to have been done, 
by both parties. — The details you have given me of this matter was 
very proper, & I am glad you furnished me with them. — It is quite 
right that I should be made acquainted with these things. 

I am very well satisfied with the determinations of the Com''^ respect- 
ing the Rent, and the time of its commencing ; and am glad of your 
expression to that effect. — 

How does the engraving of the Federal City advance ? — Send me 
some of the first that are struck off & let the others be disposed of as was 
agreed on. — If you should learn with certainty that the Minister of 
France is coming to this place advise me of it and when he sets out. — 

All the family here are well except the Major who seems to be in a 
poor way and join me in best wishes for you and yours — and for Major 
Jackson. I am, sincerely and affectly.. 

Yours 

M"" Lear. G? Washington. 

33 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 



Mount Vernon Oct' y'*" 1791. 
Dear Sir, 

Your letter of the 30^ ult" came duly to hand, with the enclosures. — 

I have had samples of the Alexandria Blankets sent me — the quality 
of them is not good ; inferior to those I had from Watson — & far, very 
far indeed, inferior to those which I used to import myself — The prices, 
length & breadth of three kinds, enclosed. — 

Mess"^* Sitgreaves give no length to their Blankets — and if Col" 
Biddle has been accurate in his account, and I underst"* him, the Blankets 
he has had offered to him, however good in other respects, are intolerably 
narrow. — Under this view of matters I am perplexed. — I by no 
means like the prices, or quality, of the Blankets in Alexandria ; and 
scarcely know what judgment to form of those in Philadelphia ; but if 
whilst hesitating between the two I should miss both, it would be bad 
indeed, as my people would in that case be in great distress the ensuing 
Winter. — Upon the whole, I have resolved to refer the matter once 
more to you, with the Alexandria prices and sizes (the quality vou can 
only form an opinion of from the description I have already given) of the 
Blankets in that place and to request that you & Col" Biddle will endeavor 
to procure me the quantitv wanting — viz — 200; if upon comparison you 
shall conceive I may be benefited thereby. — One hundred of the largest 
size, and best quality is required ; — the other hundred may be of the 
middle size, but good in quality. — But in truth, if I am to form an 
opinion of the sizes by the acc^ sent, the largest of them scarcely comes 
up to my ideas of a middle sized Blanket. — At all events let me know 
by the Wednesday's Post after you receive this (and which will reach me 
only the day before I leave home) what I have to trust to, as I shd. regret 
a disappointment exceedingly. 

I recollect asking you, if among my Pamphlets you had seen the 
Journal of my tour to the French on La beauf in the year 1753 .'' — I 
understood you No ; but M" Washington thinks you said Yes. — I have 
searched in vain for it here. — Pray decide this point between us. — 

As I shall have but little time between my return to Philadelphia 
and the meeting of Congress to arrange matters tor the Communications 

I 

34 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

I shall have to make at the opening of the Sessions, I desire you will (for 
my time is so much occupied here by company, & the necessary attention 
to my domestic concerns, as not to allow me time to do it) examine my 
Speeches at the opening of the three last Sessions of Congress, and com- 
pare the several matters recommended in them with the Laws that have 
passed ; noting the things recommended, and not acted upon at all — as 
also the measures recommended and taken up by Congress hut not finished ; 
— such as the Militia Law &c that I may, by seeing the State of the busi- 
ness, decide on the propriety (as I am about to meet a new House of 
Representatives) of bringing the same matters before Congress again. — 
It will do, if this enquiry is compleated against my arrival, and I pray you 
to be correct in it. — The Journals, or M"^ Beckley, can inform you of 
those cases which have been taken up, but never finished ; & I wish you 
to ask at the Secretary of State's office what has been the result of the 
enquiries which had issued from thence in consequence of the resolution 
of Congress to ascertain the quantity, and State of the Lands ceded by 
N° Carolina. — 

I ought, when speaking of the Blankets, to have desired, if you make 
the purchase in Philadelphia, to forward them by the first vessel which is 
bound to Alexandria as my Negros are all teasing me for them, and the 
season will soon make them necessary. — 

What progress does M'' West make ? and has he learnt to write with 
more facility and ease than when I left him i" — 

M" Washington requests you to get her Six pieces of Ginghams 
according to the inclosed Mem™ & to send them along with the Blank- 
ets. — She and all here join in best wishes for you &c — and 1 am ever 

Y' affect*^ f"* &c 

G? Washington. 
M" Tobias Lear. 



3S 



JVASHINGTON TO LEAR 



Mount Vernon Oct 14''' 1791. 
Dear Sir, 

Your letter of the 9^** was forwarded to me yesterday morning by the 
Post-Master in Alexandria (having sent no person to that place the even- 
ing before). — 

I am glad of the intimation given of the intentions of the Minister 
of France ; — and pleased, tho' distressed at the same time, at the informa- 
tion that, the 24''' inst' is the day fixed on for the meeting of Congress. — 
I had no more idea of this than I had of its being dooms-day. — Sup- 
posing the 3 1*' to be the day, I meant to have spent Monday, and possibly 
Tuesday, at George Town ; and then to have proceeded leizurely on ; 
but as the case is I shall endeavor to reach Bladensburgh at least, the first 
night (that is Monday) and delay no time on the Road afterwards that 
can be avoided ; as I shall have scarce any time to prepare my communi- 
cations for the opening of the Session on the 24'"^ if there should be 
punctuality in the Members. — 

This unexpected event makes it more essentially necessary to look, 
without delay, & with accuracy, into the Speeches & Laws (at the past 
Sessions) agreeably to my former directions ; that, among other matters, 
they may be considered of when I arrive. — If anything else should 
have occurred to you, fit for recommendation, or communication in the 
Speech, note it, that, in case it sh"* not be among my memorandums, it 
may be ready for consideration. 

There is a mistery attending the engraving of the Federal City which 
I do not comprehend. — It appears somewhat singular that the incor- 
rectness of the Plan should not have been discovered till now, when Major 
L'Enfent' was detained many days in Philadelphia to prepare & fit it for 
the purpose. — 

If the Memorial of Mess'^ Triol Roux & Co. has not already been 
sent it may await my arrival in Philadelphia as I shall have no leizure to 
give it a consideration until after my Communications have been prepared 

for 



I Meaning Peter Charles L'Enfant, who was born in France in 1755, came to this country with Lafayette in I777» =>nd died 
here in 1815. He enlisted in the Continental army, rose to the rank of major, served under the immediate command of Washing- 
oD, and long after the war drew the plans for the capital city. 

36 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

for Congress. — Being much hurried I have only time to wish you and 
M''^ Lear well, & to assure you of the sincere esteem and regard of 

Y^= Affect'y 

G? Washington. 
Tobias Lear, Esq"^ 



Mount Vernon July 30''' 1792. 
Dear Sir, 

Your letter from New York came duly to hand, and I was glad to 
find you had got that far in safety. — I wish the remainder of your jour- 
ney may prove equally pleasant and prosperous. — My journey was not 
of this sort, for after I had parted with the Coach horses I was plagued 
with those which succeeded them, the following day; — and the sick Mare, 
by a dose of Physic which had been administered the night I reached Ches- 
ter, was so weakened, & failed so much, that she was unable to carry 
Austin any farther than Susquehanna ; — from thence she was led to Hart- 
ford and left — and two days afterwards gave up the ghost. — 

I found the face of the Country here, and on the road this side 
Baltimore, much, very much indeed, parched by a severe drought ; and 
the Corn in miserable plight ; — but the day & night we reached home there 
fell a most delightful & refreshing rain, and the weather since has been as 
seasonable as the most sanguine farmer could wish ; & if continued to us 
may make our Indian corn crop midling — great it is hardly possible to 
be — so much was it in arrears when the rains set in. — 

Great complaints were heard of the Hessian fly, and of the Rust or 
Mildew, as I travelled on ; and in some places I believe the damage has 
been great ; — but I conceive more is said than ought to be on this sub- 
ject ; and, that the Crop upon the whole will be abundent of Wheat ; — 
mine in quantity (and the quality is good) will, I expect, greatly exceed 
any I have made these several years past. 

I found at George Town many well conceived, & ingenious plans 
for the Public buildings in the New City: — it was a pleasure indeed, to 
find in an infant Country such a display of Architectural abilities. — The 

Plan 

37 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

Plan of M"' Hoben,' who was introduced to me by Doct^ Tucker, from 
Charleston, & who appears to be a very judicious Man, was made choice 
of for the President's House ; and the Commissioners have agreed with 
him to superintend the building of it — & that of the Capitol also, — if 
they should, hereafter, be disposed to put both under one management. — 
He has been engaged in some of the first buildings in Dublin — appears a 
master workman — and has a great many hands of his own. — He has 
laid out the foundation which is now digging & will be back in a month 
to enter heartily upon the work. — The Plan for the Capitol was not fixed 
on when I left George Town — two or three very elegant ones (among a 
great many of less merit) had been presented — but the draughtsmen not 
being there, a postponement became necessary to receive explanations. — 
The Bridge will be accomplished (it is said) by the time specified in the 
Contract ; and every thing that could be put in motion before the Plans 
for the public buildings were fixed on, is in as much forwardness as could 
be expected — & will now, I have no doubt, advance rapidly. 

As you did not mention your having spoke to M"^ Morris about the 
house, I am under some apprehension that you omitted to do it ; — which 
will be unlucky. — Give me an Acct. of what I suggested to you as a 
matter for indirect enquiry. — All here are well, except the Major, whose 
situation I think is unpromising & precarious — growing worse — they all 
join me in best wishes for M" Lear, yourself & the Child. — I am 

D"^ Sir ¥■■ afFect'= friend 

G? Washington, 



Mount Vernon, Sep' 21" 1792. 
Dear Sir, 

I have written but one letter to you since I came to this place — I 
was on the point of writing a second when yours of the 5^ of August 
came to my hands informing me of your intention to leave Portsmouth 
about the first of this month and expectation of reaching Philadelphia (if 

no 

1 Meaning James Hoban. He was a native of Ireland and settled in Charleston before the Revolution. He was employed 
in July, 179X, as architect and superintendent and received a compensation of joo guineas a year. He not only drew the plans 
of the President's bouse, which was first occupied by President John Adams in November, iSoo, but supervised the construction 
of other public buildings. 

38 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

no unforseen delays happened) the 20''' — This information arrested my 
intention, as it was uncertain at what place to direct to you — or, that the 
letter would reach your hands before it re-verberated back to that City. 

I feel myself much obliged by the information contained in your 
letters of the 21'' of July and 5^^ of August; — but as I expect soon to see 
you I shall only take notice of that part of it which respects a tutor for a 
few boys, and my ardent wish that you may have been able to succeed in 
your expectation of getting one. — I am more and more persuaded of 
the utility of the measure; — & that without it, the loss to Washington 
will be irreparable. — 

I have nothing agreeable of a domestic nature to relate, and I go not 
abroad to collect information of any other kind. — Poor George ! — He 
is, I believe not far from that place, from whence no traveller returns.' — 
He is but the shadow of what he was ; he has not been out of his room & 
scarcely from his bed these six weeks. — At times he has intervals of 
ease which flatter a little, but I have little hope of his surviving the 
Winter. — This adds not a little to my distress & perplexity on a sub- 
ject you are already acquainted with — but no more of this — at least for 
the present. — 

My family, and this part of the Country are more sickly than they 
have been since the recollection of the oldest of us ; — first with the flux 
(but that did not prevail in my family) and next with intermittant & 
remittant fevers. — All the whites of it, however, have kept up, except 
William, whose fever is by an act of his own imprudence. — 

Not knowing what delays you may have met with on the Road, I 
have directed M"' Francis in a letter of this date, to engage M"^ Page's 
Coach to be here, to accomodate our journey to Philadelphia; for which 
place I expect to set out the S'*' though I may not arrive in that City before 
the 13^'' or 14* of Oct. — The Stage however is to be at this place on 
the 7'*^ at Night. — If you should be in Philadelphia by the time this 
letter reaches it, I shall rely on your usual punctuality & exertion to effect 
this. — If the Carriage should not be here before the 8"^ the case will not 
be altered, as I do not expect M"''^ Washington will leave this place before 

the 

I George Augustine Washington — referred to heretofore in these letters as the Maior — son of George Washington's brother 
Charles. 

39 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

the 9''' — The Sale may require my remaining in George Town one day. — 
If this letter should find you in Philadelphia, let me know the result 
of your application to M' Page by the first Post after it is received. — 
Our united and best wishes are offered for yourself, M"'* Lear & the Child 
and with sincere & affectionate regard 

I am always 

Your friend 

G? Washington. 

P. S. If M"" Page cannot send his Carriage some other equally con- 
venient if to be had must be sent for our accomodation as it is thereon 
we depend. 



Mount Vernon Oct' i" 1792. 
Dear Sir, 

Expecting this letter will find you in Philadelphia — I wish you w"* 
begin in time to compare all my Speeches in Congress with the subsequent 
Acts of that body; that 1 may see what parts of them have passed alto- 
gether unnoticed, or which have been only partially noticed ; thereby 
enabling me to judge whether any, and what parts of them should be 
brought forward again. — It is my request also, that you would note 
everything that may occur to you as fit subjects ot information, or for 
recommendation at the opening of the Session — and such other matters as 
result from the Laws with wch. it is proper to make the Legislature or the 
Senate acquainted. — I want to have all the materials collected for my 
Communications previous to mv arrival, that when the whole are before 
me I may select & digest into order, such as will be proper for my Speech. 

It is my present intention to commence my journey to Philadelphia 
on this day week ; & to spend that, and part of the following day in 
George Town ; but whether I shall be able to do it is not absolutely cer- 
tain, as yet. — William and Richard have both been confined to their 
rooms, and mostly to their beds for ten or twelve days with intermittant 
fevers ; which, never before yesterday, was moderate enough to admit the 
Bark which makes it doubtful at this moment whether they will be in 

condition 

40 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

condition to undertake the journey if they keep well, & a return of the 
fever I am sure will prevent it. — As to poor George I shall say noth- 
ing — His fate is unquestionably fixed, and Fanny's from prest. appear- 
ances is very unpromising, probably terminating in the same disorder. — 
These occurrances throws my private affairs into considerable embarrass- 
ment. — But as they, especially the Major, is not likely to get better, 
and if they do will spend the Winter at her fathers, I must leave them in 
it, as there is no remedy at present. 

The light house on Cape Henry, in this State, will soon want a 
Keeper, & if my memory serves me many have offered. — Pray examine 
the characters and have them ready to be decided on by the time I arrive. — 
M" Washington went up this morning to bid M" Stuart (who has 
lately added a Son to the family) farewell. — My best wishes attend M" 
Lear yourself and the Child and 

I am — Dear Sir 

Your sincere friend 

and Affect^ Servant, 

G? Washington. 
M" Lear. 



I do hereby certify that I have examined the accounts which have 
been kept by M"' Tobias Lear, on my behalf, from the commencement 
of my Administration of the Government of the United States down to 
the 31'' day of December One thousand seven hundred and ninety two — 
as will appear by the Journal & Ledger which contain them — and that I 
am perfectly well satisfied with the clearness and justness of them. — 

Given under my hand in the City of Phil- 
adelphia this 25^'' day of March 1793. 

G? Washington. 



41 



IVASHINGTON TO LEAR 



Mount Vernon Apr' 5''' 1793. 
Dear Sir, 

From Baltimore I acknowledged the receipt of your letter of the 29'*^ 
ult° ; as I am about to do that of the first instant from hence. — 

I had no idea of your obtaining money from M' de Barth, if it was 
even more abundant than you represent it to be — nor do I believe he had 
any expectation at the time we bargained to make the payment stipulated — 
It was, I am satisfied, a speculation on his part — depending upon the 
chapter of accidents to comply with. — Such was the opinion of others 
at the time — and such has his conduct evinced since. — The disappoint- 
ment to me is great, as I wanted to apply the money to particular uses. — 
Public securities, (but of these I dare say he is as scarce, as he is of Cash) 
would do. — 

Let me know in your next, after the receipt of this, what are the real 
selling prices of Flour in Philadelphia — and the opinion of the knowing 
ones whether the probability is, that it will rise, fall, or remain where it is 
for any time. — In this state it has fallen — but the scarcity of Cash, and 
War, or the probability of one between France & G. Britain, are 
assigned as the causes — together with the want of Vessels to export the 
produce of the Country. — 

Offer my best wishes to M''* Lear and our little friend Lincoln and 
believe me to be as I really am 

Your sincere friend and 
Affectionate Servant, 

G? Washington. 
M» Lear. 



Mount Vernon April 8'"^ 1793- 
Dear Sir, 

Since my last to you from this place, your letter of 3"* inst' has been 
received transmitting Col" Cannon's Rental, and M^ de Earth's profession 
of inability to discharge his Bond. — The latter seems to be a more 
candid ace' than the former ; but with both, I must be satisfied — presum- 
ing, I shall never obtain better, from either. — 

Before 

42 



i 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

Before you say anything to M"^ C ■ with respect to the lands 

which M"^ de Barth had of me, & is willing to relinquish ; I beg you to 
have some conversation with the Attorney General on the subject he 

mentioned to me respecting M'' C which I did not very clearly 

understand at the time, and know less of it now. — It seemed to squint 
(if I recollect rightly) at a sort of speculation which might implicate the 
latter ; but in what manner I know not. — As I do not mean, however, 
to place it in the power of malice itself to charge me with any agency in 
measures that can even be tortured into impropriety on this head, I 
wish the above enquiry to be previously made. — 

If it is not too late — I mean if the Assembly of Pennsylvania has not 
risen, & the opportunity lost — I wish you would enquire of M"' Gallitan, 
and others from the Western Country, into whose hands I could, to 
advantage, entrust the management of my business in the Counties of 
Fayette & Washington : for I am sure it will not do to leave it in the 
hands of Col° Cannon ; — who, if nothing else is against him, is too depend- 
ent for his election as representative of the latter County to fix my Rents 
at a just medium ; or to collect them in the manner he ought to do — lest 
his popularity should be affected by it. — And, if the Rents are liable to 
be applied, (when under leases for five years, & after farms have been 
settled 12 or 15 years) towards repairs & improvements, I may bid adieu to 
any prospect of profit from them ; as nothing can be easier than to balance 
the acct. by fence rails — and other such like improvements ; which every 
man who ever had a farm, & expected to make anything on it, always did, & 
for their own sakes ever will be obliged to provide for the security of their 
Crops at their own expence. — It is usual when a tenant goes on a New 
place, and has every thing to provide, to allow him one, two, and some- 
times (according to situation & circumstances) three years rent free ; — but 
I never heard before, of a continuance of it on farms so long settled as I 
have mentioned, & which have always been in occupation. — Nor is it 
to be sups'd that a tenant will ever do any thing at his own expence, if, by 
agreement, he can charge it to the account of his Landlord. — 

As the Will of my deceased Nephew will not be proved at next 
Court for this County, I shall not (unless obliged to wait for M^ Robert 

Lewis, 

43 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

Lewis, who has written me that he shall be here with some Rents, & to 
settle other business with me) remain here till Monday the 15''' — but as I 
shall (unless advices from Philadelphia or other occurrences unknown to 
me at present render it inconvt.) go by the way I had contemplated to 
come, if the Roads would have permitted it ; — that is, by Fredericktown in 
Maryland, Carlisle, Harrisburgh, the upper Canal, Reading and the lower 
Canal; it is not in my power at this time to name the day when it is prob- 
able I shall be in Philadelphia — but at any rate, if no accident happens, nor 
my horses fail me, it will be by the 25^ of the month at farthest. — 

Fanny Washington thanks you for your friendly remembrance of her 
& joins me in best wishes for yourself, Mrs. Lear and Lincoln. — I am 
always and sincerely 

Y^ affect^ friend 

G? Washington. 
M« Lear. 



Philadelphia June 21'' i793- 
Dear Sir, 

Your letter of the 17''' came by the Post of yesterday — and as, by the 
purport of it, there is a probability that this letter may find you either at 
George town or Mount Vernon, I write it for the purpose of declaring 
that, your going to the latter place is viewed by me as a very kind & 
friendly Act. — The Ace' given of M"^ Whiting by Doct' Craik, is a very 
distressing one ; — not only as it respects the poor fellow himself, but on 
ace' of the effect it must have on my business, present & to come ; during 
this year, at least. — 

Getting an ace' from him (if his situation will enable him to give it) 
of the monies received & paid, & such as may be due to & from me, is 
of importance. — A general view given by him of other matters, is more 
to be wished than expected. — I shall bring with me the account he 
rendered to M' Dandridge when I was last at Mount Vernon. — 

If M^ Clarke fulfils his engagement (and he says he will, tho' I think 
it questionable) I shall, if no business more than I am apprized of at 
present intervenes to prevent it, set out on my journey on Monday; & 

expect 

44 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

expect to be at George Town, if not at Mount Vernon, on Thursday 
evening. — This being the case, and as I shall see you at one or the 
other of those places, or must meet you on the Road, I shall only add 
that with much truth & friendship I am 

Dear Sir, 
Your Affect^ 

G? Washington, 

P. S. M"^^ Lear and Lincoln are perfectly well. 
M» Lear. 



Mount Vernon Sep' 25''' i793- 
My Dear Sir, 

I have not written to you since we parted, but had just sat down to 
do it when your letter of the 13'*' inst. was brought to me from the Post 
Office in Alexandria. — 

It gave M"'^ Washington, myself and all who knew him, sincere pleas- 
ure to hear that our little favourite' had arrived safe, & was in good health at 
Portsmouth. — , We sincerely wish him a long continuance of the latter 
— that he may always be as charming & promising as he now is — that he 
may live to be a comfort & blessing to you — and an ornament to his 
Country. — As a token of my affection for him, I send him a ticket in 
the lottery now drawing in the Federal City; and if it should be his for- 
tune to draw che Hotel, it will add to the pleasure I feel in giving it. 

We remained in Philadelphia until the lo''" inst' — It was my wish 
to have stayed there longer ; but M''* Washington was unwilling to leave 
me amidst the malignant fever which prevailed, I could not think of 
hazarding her & the children any longer by my remaining in the City — 
The house in which we lived being, in a manner blocked by the disorder 
which was becoming every day more & more fatal. — I therefore came 
off with them on the above day, and arrived at this place the 14'*^ without 
encountering the least accident on the Road. 

You will learn from M' Greenleaf that he has dipped deeply in the 
concerns of the Federal City ; — advantageously I think for himself, and I 

am 

1 Benjamin Lincoln Lear^ son of Tobias Lear. 

45 



WASHINGTON 



T O 



LEAR 



am pleased with it on public ground also ; as it may give facility to the 
operations at that place, at the same time that it is embarking him in a 
measure which, although it cannot well fail under any circumstances that 
are likely to happen, may be considerable promoted by men of Spirit with 
large capitals. — He can, so much better than I, detail his engagements, 
& the situation of things in and about the City, that I shall not attempt 
to do it at present. — 

M" Washington having decided to let Nelly Custis have her watch 
& Chain, is disposed to receive substitutes in lieu thereof at about Twenty 
five guineas price ; and leaves the choice of them to you. — The plain- 
ness of the watch &c will be no objection. — One hundred and twenty 
dollars in Bank notes are enclosed for the purchase of them. — ' 

If it should be convenient, and perfectly safe for you to engage for 
me, on reasonable terms, a compleat Black Smith, you would oblige me 
by doing so. — As there are laws in England prohibiting such engage- 
ments under severe penalties, and such may exist in other Countries, you 
will understand me clearly, that, for no consideration whatsoever would I 
have you run the smallest risk of encountering them. — You know full 
well what kind of a Smith would suit my purposes — it is unnecessary 
therefore for me to be particular on this head. — He must, however, 
have a character on which you can rely not only as a compleat workman 
for a Farm, but as an honest, sober & industrious man. — If he comes 
on Wages they must be moderate ; & with, or without wages he must be 
bound to serve me three years, four would be better. — 

M''^ Washington thanks you for your kind recollection of her request 
respecting Lincoln, and desires me to assure you of her sincere love for 
him — in which I join — and of her friendship and regard for you. — In 
whatever place you may be, or in whatever walk of life you may move, my 
best wishes will attend you, for I am & always shall be 

Your sincere friend and 

Affectionate Servant, 

G? Washington. 

P. S. 1 have just received a letter from the Earl of Buchan in which 
he says my letter intended to accompany the Portrait had got safe to his 
hands 



Mr. Lear was about to go abroad. 



46 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

hands, but that he had seen heard nothing of the Picture. — If you 
should, while in New York see the Painter of it, be so good as to mention 
this circumstance to him, & enquire into the cause of the failure.' 

The District Attorney for New Hampshire has sent his resignation — 
I am entirely unacquainted with the characters in that line, in that State, 
and would thank you to name the person whom you think best qualified 
to succeed Mr. Sherburne, & most likely to give general satisfaction, 

G. W. 



Philadelphia 6^^ May 1794. 
My Dear Sir, 

Your letter of the 26^^ of Janx with a Postscript of the 30^^ of the 
same month, by Capt" Truxton, and another of the 12^^ of Feb^ by a 
Vessel to New York, I have safely received. — But neither the one from 
Glasgow (with the box) nor the other by the Peggy, referred to in the 
above letters, are yet come to hand. — 

The Watch, and Portrait of the Earl of Buchan, were received in 
very good order. — The first pleases, and for your attention to it M''^ 
Washington prays you to accept her thanks. — The extra cost, together 

with 

I The portrait to which reference is made, was painted by Alexander Robertson, who came to this country from Scotland on 
the invitation of Dr. Kemp of Columbia college and Chancellor Livingston of New York. Hearing of his intended departure, the 
Earl of Buchan requested an interview in Edinburgh and committed to his care a small box, four inches long, three broad, and two 
deep, and an eighth of an inch thick, made of six pieces of the heart of the oak tree that sheltered Sir William Wallace after the 
battle of Falkirk. This box the Earl of Buchan wished to present to General Washington, with the request for his portrait "■ from 
the pencil of Mr. Robertson." Under date of January z8, I791, the Earl wrote to Washington : ''• This box was presented to me 
by the Goldsmiths' company of Edinburgh, of whom — feeling my own unworthiness to receive this magnificent and significant 
present — 1 requested, and obtained leave to make it over to the man in the world to whom 1 thought it most justly due ; into your hands 
! commit it, requesting you to pass it, in the event of your decease, to the man in your own country, who shall appear to your judg- 
ment to merit it best, upon the same considerations that have induced me to send it to your Excellency." The Wallace box had an 
elegant silver binding, and the lid, opening on hinges one-third down the side, had a silver plate inside, inscribed : *' Presented by 
the Goldsmiths of Edinburgh to David Stuart Erskine, Earl of Buchan, with the freedom of their Corporation, by their Deacon, 
1 791." On the death of Washington, the box was returned to the Earl of Buchan, or his heirs, according to the following clause 
in Washington's will : " To the Earl of Buchan I recommit the ' box made of the oak that sheltered the brave Sir William Wal- 
lace after the battle of Falkirk,' presented to me by his lordship in terms too flattering for me to repeat, with a request ' to pass it, 
on the event of my decease, to the man in my country who should appear to merit it best, upon the same conditions that have 
induced him to send it to me.' — Whether easy or not, to select the man who might comport with his lordship's opinion in this 
respect, is not for me to say ; but conceiving that no disposition of this valuable curiosity can be more eligible than the recommit- 
ment of it to his own cabinet, agreeably to the original design of tlie Goldsmith's company of Edinburgh, who presented it to him, 
and, at his request, consented that it should be transferred to me — 1 do give and bequeath the same to his lordship; and, in case of 
his decease, to his heir, with my grateful thanks for the distinguished honour of presenting it to me, and more especially for the 
favourable sentiments with which he accompanied it." 

When Robertson was ready to execute his commission for the Earl of Buchan be spent six weeks at the residence of President 
Washington. He made his first attempt in miniature and in water colors. At the same time be painted a miniature of Mrs. Wash- 
ington. These he retained, leaving them *' to remain in his family as an heirloom, and memorial of his veneration for the great 
and successful champion of American liberty." After succeeding happily in miniature, Robertson painted (in May, 1792,) a large 
portrait in oil, corresponding in size to those of a collection of portraits of the most celebrated characters in liberal principles and in 
useful literature, in the possession of Lord Buchan, at Drybergh Abbey. When finished, the portrait received Washington's 
approval ; he said : " The manner of the execution of it does no discredit, I am told, to the artist '; it was sent to Scotland, and 
was welcomed with cordial approbation by Lord Buchan. A miniature portrait of Colonel Tobias Lear, reproduced in this volume, 
was painted about this time. Whether it was executed in this country or during Colonel Lear's visit to Europe is not known. 

47 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

with the prices of the other articles from Glasgow & London, shall be 
paid so soon as I can find a person disposed to receive the amount ; & 
this I shall know, probably, when I converse with M'' Dalton ; who, I 
believe, is on a visit to the Federal City; as he proposed to set out for it 
on Monday last. — 

The reception you met with from the Earl of Buchan & Sir John 
Sinclair gives me sincere pleasure, and I am glad to find they have intro- 
duced you to characters which may not only contribute to your present 
gratifications, but which, in the revolution of events, may be of service in 
a future walk of life ; without a possible disservice, that results not from 
imprudence ; against which your own good sense will always secure you. — 

I am much obliged to you for the several communications in your 
letters which have come to hand. — I place great reliance on them. — 
The opportunities you derive from mixing with people in different walks 
— high & low — of different descriptions — and of different political senti- 
ments, must have afforded you an extensive range for observation & 
comparison : — more so, by far, than could fall to the lot of a Stationary 
character, who is always revolving in a particular circle.- — 

I am equally well pleased to hear that the concerns in which you are 
more immediately interested, are in as promising a train as the peculiarly 
disturbed state of matters in Europe would allow you to expect. — I 
hope they will continue, and that your plans may be accomplished to the 
fullest extent of your wishes. — 

M'' Pearce, my present manager at Mount Vernon, has been directed 
to send for your fruit Trees the moment he hears of the Peggy's arrival 
at George Town ; — and my Gardener is instructed to take particular care 
of them until they are otherwise disposed of by you ; — but as the Vessel 
had not arrived the 29''' ult° (when I heard from M" Pearce) there is much 
reason to fear they will come too late, as a mild & placid March & pleasant 
April (except the first days of it) have caused a most luxuriant vegitation 
this spring, with us, from North to South. — 

Not knowing where you may be, when this letter shall have reached 
London — nor the hazard it might run in following you if you should have 
left that metropolis — I shall do little more than touch political subjects. — 
To tell you that the order of his Britannic Majesty in Council of the S'*" 

June 

48 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

June last, respecting Neutral Vessels had given much discontent to the 
United States — and, that that of the 6''' of November, & its results, had 
thrown them into a flame, will hardly be news to you when you shall have 
received this letter. — The subsequent order of the 8^'' of Janu'' has, in 
a degree, allayed the violence of the heat ; but will by no means satisfy 
them without reparation for the Spoliations of our Trade & the injuries 
we sustain from the non-performance of the Treaty of Peace. — 

To effect these, if possible by temperate means, by fair, & firm nego- 
tiations, an Envoy extraordinary is appointed, and will, I expect, sail in a 
few days. — IVI'' Jay is chosen for this mission. — M^ John Trumbell 
goes as his private Secretary. — 

Many measures have been moved in Congress in consequence 
of the aforementioned orders of the British Cabinet. — Some have 
passed into Acts, and others are yet pending. — Those which have 
become Laws are ; one for fortifying our principal Sea ports (which is 
now in vigorous execution) and another for raising an additional corps of 
800 artillery men for the defence of them, & for other purposes. — The 
bills which are pending, are to complete our present Military establish- 
ment. — To raise an Army of 25,000 men in addition thereto. — And 
to organise — put in training^and to hold in readiness at a minute's 
warning, a select Corps of 80,000 Militia. — Of the passing of the first 
& last of these, no doubt seems to be entertained on either side of the 
House ; — but those who are fearful of what they call a standing army, 
will give al' the opposition they can to the other. — The result there- 
fore none will predict in the present stage of the business. 

Besides these, a Bill passed the House of Representatives' by a large 
Majority, founded on the following preamble, & resolution. " Whereas, 
the injuries which have been suffered, and may be suffered by the United 
States, from violations committed by Great Britain, on their neutral rights 
& commercial interests, as well as from her failure to execute the seventh 
article of the treaty of peace,^ render it expedient for the interests of the 
United States, that the commercial intercourse between the two Countries 
should not continue to be carried on in the extent at present allowed : 

" Resolved, 

1 April2i, 1794, by a vote of 58 to jS. 

z This article stipulated indemnity to the owners of the deported slaves. 

49 



WASHINCrTON TO LEAR 

" Resolved, That from and after the first day of November next, 
all commercial intercourse between the citizens of the United States, and 
the subjects of the King of Great Britain, or the citizens or subjects of 
any other nation, so far as the same respects articles of the growth or 
manufacture of Great Britain or Ireland, shall be prohibited." 

This measure was arrested in the Senate, at the third reading, by the 
casting vote of the Vice-President ;' not, as it is said, and generally 
believed, from a disinclination to the ulterior expediency of the measure, 
but from a desire to try the effect of negotiation previous thereto. — 

Sequestration of British property (not including that in the funds) 
and other expedients of a similar kind, have been agitated in the House 
of Representatives, but seems, I think, to be talked off the stage. 

The Packet from M"^ Bartrand to M"^ Jefferson was forwarded by the 
first Post after it reached my hands. — Mr. Jefferson resigned the office 
of Secretary of State the first of January, & was succeeded by the late 
Attorney General M'' Randolph ; whose place of Attorney General is 
filled by Judge Bradford, of this state (Pennsyl^). 

Enclosed I give you the trouble of receiving the copy of a letter 
which I wrote to M"' Arthur Young, by M"' Will™ Morris, on the il^ of 
december last. — At the time that letter was written I had no knowledge 
of M"' Young's late appointment, as Secretary of the National board of 
Agriculture, nor of the change of his political sentiments. — It is not 
improbable but that he has, already, or will, make you acquainted with 
the purport of the above letter. — Be this however, as it may, my 
inducement to send you a copy of it, is, that if the case should be other- 
wise — if there appears to be any repugnance on his part to comply with 
my wishes — and a fair occasion should occur of mentioning the matter 
in the course of your perigrinations through England, Scotland, or else- 
where, and you see no impropriety from circumstances, or your view of 
the subject at the moment, I should be glad if you were to do it. — My 
wish further is, to dispose of the lands I have had restored to me by M'' 
de Barth ; — and in short my settled lands in the Western parts of this 
State, in the counties of Fayette & Washington. — I have raised the 

price 



John Adams. 



5° 



of my i: 



•lave no 
hath be 



lowmg prec; 
as the resource wil 



r of it, to answ 

situation and q 

t it is almost un 

Washington and His Slaves 

iia;!ks of the River, a Facsimile 



'OV. 












on 


tilt 


La: 








tained 


in 


four 


Patent 


mo'.nh 









*Besides these, I ha 
wish for the accomplishme 
than ar — namely 



be to do it) may be defrayed. — 









«-At^?<2-Z3^ir 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

price of my lands on the Ohio & great Kanhawa to twenty shillings 
Virg^ currency p'' acre; — the tract in Fayette (about 1700 acres) to forty, 
and that in Washington to thirty shills' p"' acre, Pennsylvania curr^ — 3000 
acres. 

I have no scruple to disclose to you, that my motives to these sales 
(as hath been, in part, expressed to M'' Young) are to reduce my income, 
be it more or less, to specialties ; that the remainder of my days may 
thereby, be more tranquil & freer from cares ; and that I may be enabled 
(knowing precisely what my dependence is) to do as much good with it 
as the resource will admit — for although, in the estimation of the world I 
possess a good & clear estate ; vet, so unproductive is it, that I am often- 
times ashamed to refuse aids which I cannot afford, unless I was to sell 
part of it, to answer the purpose. (*) You are so well acquainted with 
the situation and quality of the lands which are here mentioned, for Sale, 
that it is almost unnecessary to go into detail respecting them, with you. — 
Those, however on the Ohio, between the Mouths of the little and 
Great Kanhawa, are in three tracts containing 2314 acres, laying on the 
Banks of the River, ab' 12 miles below Mariatte — the 2"* 2448 acres, still 
lower down (being the 4''' large bottom on the East side of the River) — 
and the 3'', on the same side, opposite to the Great Bend in the River, 
containing 4,395 acres ; all of which are of the first quality. — The 
Lands on the Great Kanhawa are in no respect inferior. — They are con- 
tained in four Patents ; — the first, beginning within two miles of the 
mouth of that river, and contains 10,990 acres of the richest bottom; 
stretching 17 or 18 miles along the river. — The next of 7,276 acres is 
a little above the last, on the opposite side of the River ; and the other 

two 

(Private.) 

'^Besides these, I have another motive which makes me earnestly 
wish for the accomplishment of these things — it is indeed more powerful 
than all the rest — namely to liberate a certain species of property which I 
possess, very repugnantly to my own feelings ; but which imperious 
necessity compels ; & until I can substitute some other expedient, by 
which expences not in my power to avoid (however well disposed I may 
be to do it) may be defrayed. — 

SI 



IVASHINGTON TO LEAR 

two are still higher up, at the Mouth of, & on Coal River, both are of 
the first quality ; & containing together about 5,000 Acres. — 

Although it is my wish to convert these lands into Cash on the 
terms, and for the purposes mentioned — yet, for reasons which will 
readily occur to you, I would not hawk them about as some do, if they 
were never to be sold. — 

I wish most sincerely that some inducement could be offered Pro- 
fessor Anderson which would bring him to this Country. — His labours 
are certainly ingenious, & worthy of encouragement ; but I fear it will 
not be in my power to avail these States of them. — His communica- 
tions however, are under consideration. — 

Often through the medium of M'' Langdon, we hear of your son 
Lincoln, & with pleasure that he continues to be the healthy & sprightly 
child he formally was. — He declared if his Ticket should turn up a 
prize, he would go and live in the Federal City. — He did not consider, 
poor little fellow, that some of the prizes would hardly build him a Baby 
house, nor foresee that one of these small tickets would be his lot. — 
Having drawn no more than ten dollars. 

M"' Bl ts agency in this lottery will, it is feared, be more produc- 
tive of thorns than roses ; — the matter is not yet wound up — & the 
Commissioners appear to be uneasy. — In all other respects, matters as 
far as the acct. of them have come to my knowledge, are going on well. 

My public avocations will not, at any rate, admit of more than a 
flying trip to Mount Vernon for a few days, this Summer : — this not suit- 
ing M" Washington, I have taken a house in German town to avoid the 
heat of this City in the months of July & August. — She, Nelly, & 
the rest of the family, unite with me in every good wish for your health, 
prosperity and safe return ; than whom none, you may be assured, offers 
them with more sincerity. — 

With affection & regard I am 

and always shall be — Yours 

G? Washington. 
Tobias Lear, Esq" 



52 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 



German Town Aug' 28''' I794' 
My Dear Sir, 

It gave me very sincere pleasure to find by your letter of the 2'i^ 
inst' (which by the by did not come to my hand until the evening of the 
26''', not time enough to acknowledge the receipt of it by the Post of next 
day) that you had arrived in good health at George Town with a valuable 
cargo of Goods, & that you had arranged your business to your satisfac- 
tion in England, Scotland and Holland. — When you shall have arranged 
your business at George Town, & business or inclination may turn your 
face towards the Eastward, it will be unnecessary to add, that to see you, 
w"* make this family happy; & with a httle roughfing on your part you 
could be accomodated therein. — 

If you have no ace" later, I have the pleasure to tell you that by a 
letter from your good mother to M'= Washington, that she, & little Lin- 
coln were perfectly well on the ii**' of this month — and, by her account, 
— that he continued to be the fine sprightly child you left him. — 

The enclosed, though out of season now, will serve to show that your 
letters did not sleep with me in silence. — It went by M'' Jay, and was 
returned by him with the following paragraph in a letter dated London 
IT,'^ June : 

" On Sunday the 1 5''' of this month I arrived here. — The next day 
I made enquiries for M"' Lear, and was informed that he had gone to 
Liverpool to embark for America. — I asked whether it was probable 
that letters sent by the Post would find him still there — the answer was, 
that it was highly improbable. — Under these circumstances & well 
knowing the jealous attention now paid to letters passing through the post 
office, I thought it most advisable to forebear making the experiment, & 
to return that letter to you." 

The copy of my letter to M"' Young, from whom I have received no 
acknowledgement, will be of no other use to you now, than to show what 
were, and still are, my wishes ; that if any enquiries after for back lands 
should be made in your presence, you might be enabled to bring mine 
into view. — The plan with respect to my Mount Vernon Estate I have 
no idea could be carried into effect in this Country. — 

I 

S2 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

I had it in contemplation to visit that place about the last of Septem- 
ber, or beginning of October, but the rebellious conduct of the people in 
the Western counties of this State renders the journey uncertain — & 
may defeat it altogether. 

With very great sincerely and affection — 

I am always yours 

G? Washington. 
M" Lear. 



German Town 1%^'^ Aug' 1794. 
Dear Sir, 

M"' Johnson & Doct"^ Stuart having resolved to withdraw themselves 
as Commissioners of the Federal City," and not to act after the meeting 
which is proposed to be held on the 15^^ of next month, it has become 
necessary to appoint two others in their places. — One of whom, it is 
said, ought to possess a considerable stock of legal abilities ; as cases are 
frequently occurring to render Law knowledge necessary for the purpose 
of deciding as well on points depending thereon as for the draughting of 
agreements & other instruments which are requisite in the progress of the 
business. — 

M"^ Scott (at present of Baltimore) a gentleman eminent in the pro- 
fession of the Law — a man of character & fortune — and one who has the 
welfare of the New City much at heart, — has been applied to and accepts 
the appointed trust. — And if it is convenient and agreeable to you to 
accept also, the Commission will be again compleated ; and the business 
go on without interruption, from & after the ensuing meeting as before. 

It has been found from experience, indispensably necessary that the 
Commissioners should reside in the City (in George Town would be 
tantamount) and devote, by some arrangement amongst themselves, much 
of their time to the multitudinous concerns of the same ; thereby super- 
ceding the necessity of employing a superintendant.- — As the rendering 
of such duties are not to be expected on the terms the late Commissioners 

served 

1 The commiesionera called the seat of government *' the City of Washington in the territory of Columbia," naming the city 
after George Washington, but without his knowledge or consent. He always referred to it as the Federal City. 

54 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

served (and two of them decline it under any terms) I have now fixed 
the Salery for each at Sixteen hundred dollars p"' annum & am obliged to 
provide successors. 

Were it not that I am unwilling to add anything that might carry 
with it the appearance of influencing your judgment, in the decision you 
are called upon to make, in this case ; I shd. have expressed a wish that it 
might be found convenient to you to accept the appointment. — If, 
however, you should find it incompatible with your other plans & views 
and should decline the acceptance — I pray you to let me know, as far as 
you may be able to discover, in how respectable a light Doct"^ Thornton 
stands, or would be considered by the Proprietors of the federal City 
(amongst whom he spent some time in the month of July last). — The 
Doct"^ is sensible, and indefatigable, I am told, in the execution of what- 
ever he engages. — To which may be added his taste for architecture ; but 
being little known, doubts arise on that head. — If (in case oi your not 
acceptance) any other person, or persons shd. occur to you, as fit for this 
business, be so good as to mention (under the rose) their names to me. — 
The appointment is necessary, & can be delayed no longer. 

With very great esteem & regard 

I am — Dear Sir, 

Your afFec' Serv' 

G? Washington. 
M" Lear. 



Philadelphia Janv 12''^ i795- 
My Dear Sir, 

On friday last I wrote you a few lines and assigned reasons for not 
writing more fully. — 

In addition to what I then said, which was only to inform you that 
permission had been given, by the Canal Company' of this State, for M^ 

Weston 

I Soon after the close of the Revolutionary war Washington turned his attention to the development of internal commerce, 
hoping that Virginia and Maryland might secure, through the Potomac river, the trade of the West. Early in 17S5 the legislatures 
of the two states passed laws for the formation of a company and subscription boolcs were opened February Sth. In the following 
May, Washington was elected president of the canal company and James Ramsey was appointed general manager. The three 
impediments to the navigation of the Potomac were immediately attacked — Great Falls, Seneca Falls, and Shenandoah Falls. The 
Great Falls are still so called and are the rapids and falls above Washington; the Seneca Falls were earlv known as Sinegar Falls, 
lying above the Great Falls near the mouth of Seneca creek. Shenandoah Falls were at the present Harpers Ferry at the mouth 
of the Shenandoah river. The task was found to be gigantic, money came slowly, Washington was elected President of the 
United States for the term beginning March 4, 1789, and thereafter the alfairs of the canal company languished. On ten different 
occasions between 1786 and iSio the legislatures of Virginia and Maryland extended the time for the completion of the work, but 
the project finally failed and the Baltimore and Ohio canal and railroad succeeded. 

55 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

Weston to visit the falls of Potomack, and that he might be expected at 
the federal city about the first of next month, I shall notice with concern 
— it being contrary to the heretofore entertained opinion — that the funds 
for carrying on that navigation are, from your view of them, likely to fall 
short j^ 1 0,000 sterls of the object. — 

What expedient had best be adopted for supplying the deficiency 
will merit serious consideration under existing circumstances. — On an 
abstract view of the case, I should give it as my opinion without hesita- 
tion, that the present shares ought to continue their advances until the 
final completion ; — and for this plain and interesting reason (with me) 
that no speculation to which money can be supplied, will be more pro- 
ductive with so much honor and so little resque. — But how far the 
majority of the company (many of whom, probably, never bestowed 
a thought on the subject) may be of this sentiment — or how far their 
inclination and abilities might induce the adoption of the measure if they 
were, is not for me to decide ; — and, as individuals of the company will 
be as free as others to become purchasers, if the shares are encreased ; — 
it does not appear to be a matter of much moment which ot these 
modes is preferred, or whether by loan, if the money is to be obtained. — 

No doubt remains in mv mind of what will be the productiveness of 
the tolls when the navigation is in full operation. — To the best of my 
recollection they were calculated to amount (at the time of passing the 
Acts of incorporation) to 1 5 p' C' on the capital, by an estimate that was 
then made of the several articles which from their contiguity to the river 
it was known would be water borne. — Since that period, the population 
of the counties bordering on the potk.' and of course the produce arising 
therefrom, has encreased greatly ; & when the Shenandoah is added 
thereto (which formed no part of the original estimate) it must equal the 
most sanguine expectation. — 

M' Claiborn's Engineers (for it seems that he has two for different 
purposes) are fixed in this city ; either of w''', according to the use for 
which you want one, might be had at any time ; but as I am not strongly 
impressed with a belief that men of eminence would come to this country 
in the manner, and under the circumstances they have done (but this I 

say 

I Meaning Potomac River. 

56 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

say without having any knowledge of the real characters of these Gentle- 
men, and without design to injure them) might it not be politic to obtain 
the opinion of the most competent of them, before M'' Weston (who is 
known to be a scientific & experienced engineer) gives his ? — He will 
not adopt their opinions contrary to his experience & judgment ; but if 
his opinion is first taken and transpires, it may be given in to by them 
from the want of these in themselves ; endeavoring thereby to erect a 
character on his foundation. — 

I am much obliged by the trouble of your enquiries respecting my 
Tobacco in the Warehouses at Alexandria & George Town ; & as the 
disposal of it is somewhat out of my way, at present ; and in truth is a 
matter that rarely occurs to me except when I am reminded of it by M" 
Washington, you would add to the favor by making sale of it on such 
terms, and whensoever in your judgment the moment is favorable. — I 
am in no hurry, nor under any necessity to precipitate the Sale ; and to 
your judgment also it is left, to continue where it is, or to remove the 
Tobacco from Alexandria to George Town. — We are all tolerably well, 
& join in good wishes, and the compliments of the seasonvto you. 
With regard & affection 

I am always Yours 

G? Washington. 
M"^ Lear. 



Mount Vernon 5''' Aug' i79S- 
My Dear Sir, 

It is my intention at present to be in George town tomorrow ; but 

as I have been sending to the Post-Office in Alexandria every day since 

friday last for letters, without having received any from the Officers of 

Government; and may, by this days mail find such an accumulation of 

them, as to make it impracticable for me to give them proper attention — 

prepare answers against Saturday morning — and be on business in George 

town at the same time ; I send you a power of attorney to act for me 

(if I should not be there) in the latter case. — In haste 

I am Your Affect'' Serv' 

G? Washington. 
M" ToB' Lear. 

57 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

I do by these presents, constitute & appoint M'' Tobias Lear my 
attorney, to represent my interest of fifty-five shares in the Potomack 
Company ; a general meeting of which is to be held in George town (by 
adjournment) on Thursday next, the 6th instant. — And I do hereby 
authorise & require him to vote in my behalf, on any question, or ques- 
tions which may come before the said meeting on that day, or during the 
continuance thereof by adjournment if I am not present — and his Acts and 
doings in the premises (conformably to Law) will be obligatory on me. 

/ / Given under my hand and seal this fourth 

( Seal ( day of August 1795. 

\ ( , ( I j j I G? Washington. 

Witness 

D" Stuart. 

William Pearce, Jun» 



Philadelphia 2*^ Nov' i795- 
My Dear Sir, 

Your letters of the 19'^'' & ult. came duly to hand, and I expected 

ere this to have been decisive upon the contents of them ; — but the case 
being otherwise, I shall postpone writing fully to you until the next, or 
another Post. — 

It may not be amiss however, briefly to observe, that Col° Rochfontain 
(being in this city) was asked how it came to pass, as he had seen the site 
at the confluence of the Rivers Potomac & Shenandoah, he had made no 
mention of it in his general report ? — His answer was, there was no 
ground on which convenient buildings could be placed, & assigned 
other reasons in a written report, which he made. — But since the receipt 
of your last, with a letter from Gen' Darke to the Secretary of War — I 
have suggested his going there again, in order to view the ground more 
accurately. — This, it nothing more pressing should require his attend- 
ance 

58 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

ance in another quarter, will be the case. — I shall defer therefore saying 
anything further on the subject till this matter is decided. — If the Col° 
goes at all, he will probably pass through George Town, and if it could be 
made convenient for Col° Gilpin (who understands the nature, & application 
of water well) and yourself, to accompany him, advantages, I am persuaded, 
would result from the journey. — One of the Col°= objections to this site 
is, that no water work, (on ace' of freshes) would be safe there. — These 
lands, however, considering the reservations of the Ferries, buildings, &c, 
will come much higher than I had any idea of. — 

If you have not already agreed for the Rent of my house in Alexan- 
dria at Sixty pounds p'' annum, I wish this sum might be compared with 
other rents, before it is fixed on. — I was told by severals as I passed 
through Alexandria, that I might readily dispose of the lot, if I was so 
inclined, for ^1200: Sixty pounds rent wd. be only an interest of five 
p' C, which is inadequate for house Rent. — 

Give my love to Fanny and the Children, in which M"'^ Washington 
joins, and be assured of the sincere esteem & regard of 

Dear Sir 

Your Affectionate 
M" Lear. G? Washington. 



Philadelphia 30"* NoV 1795. 
My Dear Sir, 

Your letter of the 17* inst* came safe to hand, but not before the 

I intended to have written to you by CoI° Rochfontaine, but he went 
off unknown to me. — Upon a second view of the site at the confluence 
of the Rivers Potomack and Shenandoah, with the explanations he will 
receive from Col° Gilpin and yourself, I hope & expect the advantages of 
that spot will strike him more favorable than was indicated in his report ; — 
and that something will be decided upon with precision. — 

It is with great pleasure I learn from your letter that the River 
between the Great & little falls has been so much improved this fall ; & 

that 

59 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

that the prospect of getting some of the new shares subscribed for by the 
Maryland assembly, is so good — I wish as good a disposition may be 
found in the other assembly; — but above all, that your means would enable 
you to proceed vigorously to the improvement of the navigation of the 
Shenandoah River : for that is the source from whence the wealth of the 
city is to be derived. — 

If the directors are in want of such a character as the enclosed letter 
describes, it may be well to intimate it as soon as possible ; as it is not 
likely that M' Myers will remain long unemployed, as lock navigation is 
contemplated in many parts of this country. — I have not seen the Gen- 
tleman myself, but understand from others that his testimonials are full 
and ample ; & that he is a stout, healthy man. 

Your opening of M"^ Maury's letter to me, was a thing of necessity, 
and I am obliged to you for having done so ; and for the steps you took 
consequent thereupon — and for sending the goods to Mount Vernon. — 

If I cannot get a full rent for my house in Alexandria I must be 
content with what it will fetch, and that without delay; otherwise (the 
cold weather approaching) the Inclosures will be torn down for firing, if 
no other damage is sustained from its being left unoccupied. — My love 
to Fanny & children. 

I am always, & sincerely. 

Yours Affectionate 

G? Washington. 

P. S. I will send to & will have a little conversation with M' Myers, 
& give you the result in my next. — 



Philadelphia 15'*' Feb 1796. 
My Dear Sir, 

On Thursday last I received your letter of (now in the hands 

of Col" Pickering, & date not remembered). 

The business relative to the Arsenal at the mouth of Shenandoah, 
has been shamefully neglected : — and, (but under the rose I make the 

observation) 

60 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

observation) I fear with design ; — for I was continually reminding the 
Officer whose duty it was to carry the measure into effect, of the improvi- 
dent delay; and about a fortnight ago, finding the matter remained in 
Statu quo, I gave a peremptory order for the execution : and was informed 
since by the Gentleman, that he had written to you on the subject — 
How it comes to pass that you should be ignorant of this, at the date of 
your letter, — there being sufficient time for the receipt of the former — is 
somewhat misterious. — Allowances ought, unquestionably, to be made 
for the multiplied duties of two Offices, which were discharged by one 
person — but the footing on which this business stood, and my frequent 
enquiries into it, ought to have produced more promptness in the Execu- 
tion. — I hope no change in price, will force a change of place ; — and 
that the thing will go on as if no delay had happened. — 

I am very glad to find that the affairs of the Potomack Company are 
in so promising a train, and wish Capt. Myers may prove an acquisition 
in the Superintendance of them. — 

I pray you to let me have a statement of my account with you ; and 
for informing me precisely, what shares I hold in the Banks of Alexandria 
and Columbia. — My love to Fanny and the Children — and with very 
great esteem and regard I remain 

Your Affect^ friend & Serv' 

G? Washington. 

P. S. M'' White seems to entertain no doubt of a favorable issue to 
his Mission — but it goes (as everything else does) slowly. — 

M" Lear. 



Philadelphia 13'^ Mar 1796. 
^My Dear Sir, 

Your letters of the 26''' ult° and 2"* Instant came safe to hand, after 
some delay. — The first, with the Will of Harper, has been put into the 
hands of the Attorney Genl. to aid him in the conveyances. — To such 

parts 

61 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

parts of the second, as require it, 1 am about to reply; first expressing my 
satisfaction at the happy termination of the business which you undertook 
in behalf of the Public. — 

Having no doubt of the correctness of the account, which was trans- 
mitted in the last mentioned letter ; I have only to beg that you would 
favor me with the numbers and other designation or description of all the 
shares I now hold in the Banks of Alexandria & Columbia, by your pur- 
chases, — and to request, if you wish to part with any of the twenty shares 
you purchased in the Potomac Navigation, that you would appropriate the 
Balance due me, by your account, in as many as it will command; — first 
paying up the Instalment on the old ; called for I perceive, to be paid on 
the first of the present month. — If my present purposes and gratifications 
could be answered by prospects oi future emolument, I would devote all the 
money I could command to this Investiture ; but for the few years I have 
to remain here, the enjoyment of less, with ease & certainty, will be more 
convenient and desirable. — 

If my resources were adequate to the purchase of the Lot & houses 
which are offered for sale in Alexandria, I would gladly have been the 
purchaser of them ; on the terms mentioned in your letter of the 2'^ inst.; 
but as these depend upon contingencies, which may bafHe calculation ; I 
chuse to tread on sure ground in all my engagements ; — being as unwill- 
ing to embarrass others, by uncertain contracts, as I am to be deceived 
myself in my expectations, from the assurances which I receive of 
promised payments. 

From the enquiries which have already been made of you, relative to 
my farm at Mount Vernon, I take the liberty of enclosing you the terms 
on which I mean to leave them. — My expectation of disposing of them 
at the Rents therein mentioned, to such tenants as I should chuse, is not 
very sanguine ; — nor would I incline to do it to the slovenly farmers of 
this country, if I had a tolerably well founded hope of getting them from 
any other, where husbandry is better understood and more rationally prac- 
ticed ; the mention'g of which to some of your acquaintance, as you may 
chance to fall in with them (particularly English & Scotch, the latter more 
especially) might be a means perhaps, of their suggesting it to others, in 
the land they come from. 

It 

62 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

It is not my intention, at least at the present moment, to let the 
Negros go with the Land ; but if enquiries on this head should be 
repeated, it might be useful to me, to learn on what terms these, and the 
lands conjointly, could be disposed of. — Remember me kindly to Fanny 
& the Children, and be assured of the 

Sincere friendship of 

Your affectionate Serv' 

G? Washington. 
M" Tobias Lear. 



Philadelphia 3"* of June 1796. 
•^ My Dear Sir, 

Your letter of the 30^*^ ult" was received yesterday. — As I expect 
(nothing new or unforeseen happening to prevent it) to commence my 
journey for Mount Vernon in ten or twelve days, I shall enter into no 
details respecting any of the matters touched upon in your letter of the 
above date. — 

The chief design of my writing to you by this Post, is to inform you 
that your good Mother, and lovely son, arrived in this City on Tuesday 
evening ; and left it yesterday about ten o'clock on their way to the Fed- 
eral City. — M"^^ Lear is very well, & Lincoln as sprightly as ever ; but 
both disappointed at not meeting you here. 

It was with great difficulty a carriage could be procured to take her 
on ; for it so happened, that Congress closed their Session yesterday — 
that the members were struggling for, and bidding on each other for con- 
veyances — and your Mother's anxious desire to get to you, would not 
permit her to wait. — At length, after some unavailing attempts, M^ 
Craik succeeded in getting a carriage & pair of horses, which I hope will 
take her safe down. 

I will send sugar, and some other things, from hence. — We are all 

as well as usual, and join in best wishes for you. With sincere esteem 

& regard, 

I am Your affectionate, 

G? Washington. 

P. S. 

(>3 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

P. S. A M"' Prescot attends M" Lear & Lincoln. — And it is not 
unlikely, as the weather is cool, but that they may be with you as soon as 
this letter as the Post does not travel on Sunday. 

I did not know until after the Post had left the City on Wednesday, 
that M" Lear was in the city, or expected ; or you should have been 
advised of the circumstance by the Mail of that day. — 



Mount Vernon 25''' Mar 1797. 
My Dear Sir, 

Your letter of the 20''' inst' with the Bill of lading for the Goods in 
the Sloop Salem, and another letter of the 15'*' are both received and I 
hope this will find you safely arrived in the Federal City. — 

I have got Painters at work to prepare my rooms for the furniture 
which is expected ; but I find I have begun at the wrong end, for some 
joiners work (of the deficiency of which I was ignorant before it was 
examined) ought to have preceeded theirs, as the fixing of the chimney 
pieces ought also to do. — The first I have engaged, but cannot, on 
enquiry, find that a skilful hand is to be had in Alexandria to execute the 
latter. — I would thank you therefore for engaging one, if to be had in 
the Federal City or George town, to be here on Monday or tuesday at 
farthest as my work will be at a stand without. — To prevent imposition, 
and to avoid disputes, I would prefer employing the artisan by the day. — 
The work immediately foreseen, and which must be done without delay, is, 
to refix the marble chimney piece in the Parlour which is almost falling 
out ; — to fix the New one (expected from Philadelphia) in the small dining 
room ; — to remove the one now there into what is called the School 
room ; — to fix the Grate which is coming round in the large dining room ; 
— and to give some repairs to the Steps ; which (like most things else I 
have looked into since I have been at home) are sadly out of repair. — 

'Tis possible either of the Commissioners or Capt" Hoben could 
point out a proper character, as they have had to do with the best work- 
men ; and tis possible, but I do not think it very probable, that Cornelius 

(my 

64 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

(my old Servant) might be competent to it. — Two things however are 
necessary — viz — skill & dispatch.— Our best regards are presented to 
all with you — and I am 

Your sincere friend and 

affectionate Servant, 

G? Washington. 
M« Lear. 

P. S. If Cornelius had knowledge in practice or theory sufficient 
for the job, I should be disposed to give him a preference ; — first because 
I am acquainted with his temper and industry; — and 2'"'' because I foresee 
many other things in his line that must be done as fast as I can accomplish 
them ; by engageing a workman upon moderate terms, make Bricks or 
raise stone, and procure lime. — 

The winds have been favorable to Capt" Elkins, but we see nothing 
of his Sloop yet. — As soon as it arrives I will let you know, as it would 
be very pleasing to me, to have you here at that time. 

Y^^ &c 

G. W. 



Mount Vernon 2^ Aug' 1798. 
Dear Sir, 

I was glad to hear by Charles that you were much better than when 
we saw you last. — If you have missed the Ague, care, & Bark, is neces- 
sary to prevent a relapse ; & this prudence requires. — 

Monday next being the day fixed on by the Constitution of the 
Potomack Company for its annual meeting, & as you seem resolved to 
relinquish your present office of President, — I wish you would turn your 
thoughts attentively to the situation of it, and revolve seriously on charac- 
ters fit and proper to supply the places of those who perhaps ought to, 
as well as those who will quit, the Directorship ; that our struggles in that 
interesting & expence concern, — the labour of years — may not end in dis- 
grace & loss. 

The 

65 



WASHINGTON TO LEAR 

The little leisure I had before my late appointment (from Visits, — 
my necessary rides — & other occurrences) to overhaul, arrange — and 
seperate papers of real, from those of little or no value, is now, by that 
event, so much encroached upon by personal & written applications for 
Offices, and other matters incidental to the Situation of the Commander 
in Chief, that without assistance I must abandon all idea of accomplishing 
this necessary work, before I embark in New Scenes ; which will render 
them more voluminous & of course more difficult. — A measure which 
would be extremely irksome to me, to submit to, especially as it respects 
my a/c^ which are yet in a jumble — My earnest wish and desire being, 
when I quit the Stage of human action, to leave all matters in such a situ- 
ation as to give as little trouble as possible to those who will have the 
management of them thereafter. 

Under this view of my situation ; — which is far from being an agree- 
able one ; & at times fills me with deep concern — when I perceive so little 
prospect of complete extrication — I have written to the Secretary of War 
to be informed whether (as my taking the Field is contingent, & no pay 
or emolument will accrue to myself until then) I am at liberty to appoint 
my Secretary immediately; who shall be allowed his pay & Forage from 
the moment he joins me. — If he answers in the affirmative, on those 
terms, czn yon do this?" — Have you heard from the Master of the 
Academy at Charles town ? — At any rate, my opinion is, you had better, 
with the least possibly delay, get the boys fixed permanently at some good 
school they will, otherwise, lose precious moments. — Let me hear from 

you — I am in haste — but always 

Your affect^ 

G? Washington 

M" Lear. 



I Mr. Lcar accepted tbe appointment. 



66 



APPENDIX 



MISCELLANEOUS WASHINGTON LETTERS AND 

DOCUMENTS 



FROM THE ORIGINALS IN THE LIBRARY OF MR. BIXBY. 



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i 



MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS 



instructions to washington upon his appointment as commander- 
in-chief by the continental congress. 

In Congress 
To 
George Washington Esq'' 

This Congress having appointed you to be General & Commander 
in chief of the army of the United Colonies and of all the forces raised or 
to be raised by them and of all others who shall voluntarily offer their 
service and join the said army for the defence of American liberty and for 
repelling every hostile invasion thereof, you are to repair with all expedition 
to the colony of Massachusetts bay and take charge of the army of the 
United Colonies. 

For your better direction 
First. You are to make a return to us, as soon as possible of all forces, 
which you shall have under your command, together with their military 
stores and provisions ; and also as exact an account as you can obtain of 
the forces which compose the British army in America. 

Secondly. You are not to disband any of the men you find raised until 
further direction from this Congress; and if you shall think their numbers 
not adequate to the purpose of security, you may recruit them to a num- 
ber you shall think sufficient not exceeding double that of the enemy. 

Thirdly. In all cases of vacancy occasioned by death or a removal of a 

Colonel 



Note. — This is a document of the highest importance — the Instructions of the Continental congtess to Washington upon 
talcing command of the army. Washington was a member of the first and second congresses and was unanimously elected com- 
mander-in-chief of the army on June 15, 1775, upon the nomination of Thomas Johnson of Maryland. The sum of $500 a month 
was allowed for pay and expenses. On the following day when notified of his election he said: 

" Though 1 am truly sensible of the high honour done me, in this appointment, yet I feel great distress from a consciousness 
that my abilities and military experience may not be equal to the extensive and important trust. However, as the Congress desire 
it, I will enter upon the momentous duty, and exert every power 1 possess in their service, and for the support of the glorious cause. 
I beg they will accept my most cordial thanlcs for this distinguished testimony of their approbation. But lest some unluclcy event 
should happen, unfavourable to my reputation, 1 beg it may be remembered by every gentleman in the room that 1, this day, 
declare with the utmost sincerity, I do not thinlc myself equal to the command I am honoured with. As to pay. Sir, 1 beg leave to 
assure the Congress that, as no pecuniary consideration could have tempted me to have accepted this arduous employment, at the 
expense of my domestic ease and happiness, I do not wish to make any prolit from it. I will keep an exact account of my expenses. 
Those, 1 doubt not, tbey will discharge, and that is all 1 desire." 

Richard Henry Lee, Edward Rutledge, and John Adams were appointed a committee to draft a commission and instructions. 
The Commission was adopted June 17, 1775, and the original is in the Library of Congress. The Instructions were adopted June 
*0i 177S1 ^nd the resolutions at the close were added two days later. This is the first time this document has ever been printed 
from the original. 

73 



MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS 



Colonel or other inferior officer, you are by Brevet or Warrant under your 
seal to appoint another person to fill up such vacancy, until it shall be other- 
wise ordered by the provincial Convention or Assembly of the colony, from 
whence the troops, in which such vacancy happen, shall direct otherwise. 
Fourthly. You are to victual at the continental expence all such volun- 
teers as have joined or shall join the united army. 

Fifthly. You shall take every method in your power, consistent with 
prudence, to destroy or make prisoners of all persons, who now are, or 
who hereafter shall appear in arms against the good people of the United 
Colonies. 

Sixthly. And whereas all particulars cannot be foreseen, nor positive 
instructions for such emergencies so before hand given, but that many 
things must be left to your prudent and discreet management, as occurrences 
may arise upon the place or from time to time fall out ; you are, there- 
fore, upon all such accidents or any occasion, that may happen, to use 
your best circumspection and (advising with your council of war) to order 
and dispose of the said army under your command, as may be most 
advantageous for the obtaining the end, for which these forces have been 
raised, making it your special care, in discharge of the great trust com- 
mitted unto you that the liberties of America receive no detriment. 

Philadelphia June as"! 1775. 

By order of Congress, 

John Hancock President. 
In addition to yr Instructions it is 

Resolved by Congress, That the troops including the volunteers be fur- 
nished with camp equipage & blankets if necessary at the continental 
expence. 

That the Officers now in the army receive their commissions from 
the Genl. & commander in chief. 

That a Sum not exceeding two Millions of Spanish milled dollars be 
emitted by the congress in bills of credit for the defence of America. 

Cha. Thomson Secy. 

By order of Congress 

John Hancock President. 
[Endorsed by Washington : Instructions from Congress aa*" June 1775.] 

74 



MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS 



GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL WOOSTER. 



Camp at Cambridge 

September 2'^ 1775. 

Sir 

I have just received your Favour of the 29* ult. by Express. I am 
very sensible that the Situation of the Inhabitants of Long Island, as well 
as of all those on the Coast, exposes them greatly to the Ravages of the 
Enemy; & it is to be wished General Protection could be extended to 
them, consistent with the Prosecution of those great Plans, which have 
been adopted for the common Safety. This was early foreseen, & the 
Danger provided for by a Resolution of Congress, that each Province 
should depend on its own internal Strength against these Incursions : the 
Prejudice arising from them (even if successful) not being equal to that 
of separating the Army into a Number of small Detachments, who would 
be harassed in fruitless Marches, & Countermarches after an Enemy whose 
Conveyance, by Shipping is so advantageous, that they might keep the 
whole Coast in constant Alarm without our being able perhaps at any Time 
to give them vigorous Opposition. Upon this Principle I have invaria- 
bly rejected every Application made me here, to keep any Detachments 
on the Coast for these Purposes. I should therefore most probably have 
thought it my Duty to have ordered the three Companies mentioned in 
your Letter, to have joined your Army to act on the general Service, had 
they not been under Command from General Schuyler to join him : But 
as it is, I can by no Means interfere. He is engaged in a Service of the 
greatest Importance to the whole Continent, his Strength & Appoint- 
ments far short of his Expectations, and to give any Counter-orders may 
not only defeat his whole Plan, but must make me responsible to the Pub- 
lick for the Failure. — Instead therefore of their further Stay, I would 
have them march immediately. I fear, the Delay of the Ten Days may 
have very bad Effects, as by my last Advices from Ticonderoga Gen' 
Schuyler was to march in a few Days for Canada, & it is highly probable, 

he 

75 



MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS 

he may depend upon these Companies to occupy the Posts of Communi- 
cation, which otherwise he must weaken his Army to do. — 

No Provincial Congress can with any Propriety interfere in the Dis- 
position of Troops on the Continental Establishment, much less controul 
the Orders of any General Officer, so that in this Instance the Congress 
at New York have judged properly in declining to counteract General 
Schuyler's Orders. 1 wish I could extend my Approbation equally to the 
whole Line of their Conduct. 

Before you receive this Letter you will most probably be able to 
judge how far your Continuance on Long Island will be farther necessary. 
If the Fleet which last sailed was destined for those Coasts, it must be 
arrived — if it is not, it is certainly gone to the Eastward, & your present 
Station is no longer necessary. The Importance of preserving the Com- 
munication ot the North River, & many other Reasons induce me to wish 
you were returned to your former Post. The late Transactions at New 
York, furnish additional Reasons for your being as near that City as is 
consistent with the Discipline & Convenience of your Troops. Your 
next therefore I flatter myself will inform me of your having resumed 
your former Station. 

I am, Sir, with much Regard & 
Esteem Your most Obed' 
& very Hbble Serv^ 

G? Washington. 
General Wooster.' 



1 David Wooster was born in Stratford, Conn., March 2, 1710, was graduated from Vale in lyjS, and entered the provincial 
army in 17J9. He was a captain in 1745, colonel in 1755 and later brigadier-general of Connecticut troops, and scn-cd during the 
French war. He was an originator of the expedition that captured Ticonderoga in 1775 and on the organization of the Contioen. 
tal army was appointed third on a list of eight brigadier-generals. For a time he ser\'ed in Canada, then resigned from the army 
and on his return to Connecticut was made the first major-general of the militia of that state. He was in command at Danbury 
when the place was attacked by Governor William Tryon's troops on April 26, 1777. Wooster, at the head of 2co men, attacked 
the rear of the British forces ; several discharges of artillery caused the Americans to break, whereupon Wooster cried, "Come on, 
my boys ! Never mind such random shots !" But a musket-ball pierced his body and he died at Danbury May 2, 1777. In the 
following June the Continental congress appropriated 5500 for a monument to his memory, but the money was never paid and the 
grave of the hero soon became unknown. 



76 



MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS 



GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL CLINTON. 

Head Quarters N. York 9"^ Aug' 1776. 
Dear Sir, 

Yours of the 2<* Instant is duly Received, enclosed you have a Reso- 
lution of the Provincial Convention which came to hand last Evening, by 
which you will please to Regulate your Conduct. I must beg you to 
Inform Me as soon as possible what number your Brigade now consists 
of — and what number it will contain when a fourth part of the Militia are 
drafted agreeable to Order of provincial Congress. 

My Intelligence Received, and movements observed of the Enemy, 
we have the greatest Reason to believe a general Attack will be made in 
the Course of a very few Days, — our numbers are much short of the 
Enemy. I hope no time will be lost in Marching the Reinforcements 
expected to our Assistance from different Quarters, with all possible 

Dispatch. I am 

Sir Your Most Hum. Serv' 

G? Washington. 
Gen. Clinton.' 



GENERAL WASHINGTON TO ROBERT MORRIS. 

Camp above the Falls at Trenton* 

Decb. 22'* 1776. 
Dear Sir. 

Your favour of yesterday came duely to hand, and I thank you for 
the several agreeable articles of Intelligence therein contained. — For 

godsake 

1 James Clinton was born in Ulster county, N. Y., August 9, 1736, became an ensign in the militia and was advanced to be 
lieutenant-colonel before the beginning of the Revolution. He distinguished himself in the French and English war at Fort Fron- 
tenac, captured a sloop of war on Lake Ontario, was appointed colonel of the Third New York regiment in 1775, and accompanied 
Montgomery to Quebec. He was made a brigadier-general August g, 1776, (the date of the above letter), commanded Fort Clinton 
when it was attacked in October of the following year by Sir Henry Clinton and after a gallant defence (600 men against 3000) 
was compelled to fly. He was the last man to leave the works, received a severe bayonet wound, but escaped by riding a short 
distance and then sliding down a precipice of 100 feet to a creek. He participated in |Sullivan's campaign against the New York 
Indians, commanded at Albany, was present at the siege of Yorktown and the evacuation of New York, and died in Orange county, 
N. Y., December 22, 181Z. 

2 This is one of the most interesting of all the Washington letters. It gives a vivid account of the condition of the patriot 
army and calls earnestly for assistance. No doubt some was granted, and a few days later Washington fought and won the battle 
of Trenton. Robert Morris, to whom the appeal was made, was " the financier of the Revolution." He was born in Liverpool, 
England, January 20, 1714, came to this country when ij years of age, and though in middle life he was a remarkably successful 
business man, he died in Philadelphia May 8, 1806, in poverty and distress. Morris was a member of the Continental congress for 
several years, took a leading part in its work and was particularly energetic in raising money to support the army. In February, 
1781, he was elected superintendent of finance and served as such till November, 1784. He was a member of the convention that 
framed the Constitution and was elected a member of the first senate. 



77 



MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS 

godsake hurry Mr. Mease' with the clothing as nothing will contribute 
more to facilitate the recruiting Service than warm & comfortable clothing 
to those who engage. — Muskets are not wanted at this place, nor should 
they, or any other valuable Stores (in my judgment) be kept in Philadelphia, 
for sorry I am to inform you, my dear Sir, that unless the Militia repair to 
the City for defence of it, I see no Earthly prospect of saving of it after 
the last of this Instant; as that fatal vote of Congress respecting the 
appointment of new officers has put the Recruiting business upon such a 
footing, and introduced so much confusion into the old Regiments, that 
I see no chance of raising men out of them ; by the first of next month 
then, we shall be left with five Regiments of Virginia, one of Maryland 
Col" Hands and the Remains of Miles'; reduced so much by Sickness, 
fatigue &c as in the whole not to exceed, but fall short of, 1200 men. — 
Upon these and the Militia is all our dependence, for you may as well 
attempt to stop the winds from blowing, or the Sun in its diurnal, as the 
Regiments from going when their term is expired. — 

I think with you Sir (that however missed you may be in Congress) 
your presence in the City cannot be dispensed with — I will give you the 
earliest information in my power of immediate danger ; in the meantime, 
I advise for the reasons before mentioned that you detain no Papers you 
can possibly do without — for I am satisfied the Enemy wait for two events 
only to begin their operations upon Philadelphia. Ice for a Passage, and 
the dissolution of the poor remains of our debilitated army. 

Gen' Sullivan is just come up with the Troops under Gen' Lee, about 
2000 men — Gen' Gates is here, and a small division under him of about 
600 expected to-day; this with about four or five and twenty hundred at 
most, here before, composes the strength of my army (the City Militia 
excepted) but this under the rose. 

Alas poor Lee ! taken by his own Imprudence ! We have no distinct 
accts. of him, if any should arrive Mr. Tilghman or I, will communicate 

them 



I The reference is to John Mease, whose services during the Revolution were in the highest degree valuable. He was born 
in Strabanc, Ireland, in 1746, came to this country in 1754, was one of the original members of the first troop of Philadelphia cav- 
alry, and was one of the twenty-four men of that corps who crossed the Oclawarc with Washington on December 25, 1779. He 
was one of the five men detailed to keep alive the fires along the line of the American encampment at Trenton to deceive the enemy 
when the armv marched to attack the rear-guard of the enemy at Princeton. Mr. Mease served throughout the war, saiTcred 
heavy losses of properly through the depredations of the enemy, but in 1780 gave $zo,ooo for the support of the army. He died in 
Philadelphia in 1826. In his later years he continued to wear the three-cornered hat of Revolutionary times and was called '■'■ The 
last of the cocked hats.'* 

78 



MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS 

them to you.' — Insults accompanied the taking of him, since that I 
have heard that he was treated well by Lord Cornwallis to whom he was 
first Carried. 

The Commissary (Mr. Wharton) informs me that, he cannot prevail 
on the Millers to grind ; & that the Troops in consequence, are like to 
suffer for want of Flour — this if I understand him proceeds either from 
disaffection, or an unwillingness to take Continental Money in pay, which 
in fact is the same thing — this must be remedied by fair, or other means. 

With sincere regard and esteem 

I am Dr Sir Y' Most Obd' 

G? Washington. 



GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL SMALLWOOD.* 

V 

Head Quarters Middle 

Brook 28''' May 1779. 
Sir, 

The knowledge you have of the general Situation of the enemy makes 
it unnecessary I should enter into any further detail than barely to inform 
you — 

That their number at New York Staten and Long Island — suppos- 
ing the detachment which went to Virginia to consist of two thousand men, 
agreeable to the accounts I have received — amounts according to the best 
estimate I have been able to form to about 9000 Men. At Rhode Island 
their strength is about 5 or 6000. Their remaining force in these States 

is 

1 This was Charles Lee, of whose disgraceful character and treasonable designs Washington was at this time in utter ignor- 
ance. Lee was born in Dernhali, Cheshire, England, in I7JI, was the son of a colonel in the British army, and had a remarkable 
career as a soldier of fortune in Europe before entering the Colonial army, of which he aspired to the chief command. He was 
placed second on the list of major generals, became the first on the resignation of General Ward, and took command of the right 
wing of Washington's army. When Washington was trying to check the movement of the British troops on Philadelphia, Lee was 
expected to co-operate. He proved, however, to be insubordinate and reckless, and for some unexplained reason made his head- 
quarters at Baskingridge, four miles from his army, and there he was captured on December 13, 1776, by a party of British dragoons. 
Relieved of his presence, his troops marched to Washington's assistance in time to take pari in the battles of Trenton and Prince- 
ton. Lee was taken to New York, where he began an intrigue against the Americans and actually wrote a plan of operations 
against them. He was exchanged in May, 177S, and joined Washington, who was still in ignorance of his character. In the 
ensuing campaign he showed treachery or cowardice, was removed from command, and court-martialed. He so angered congress 
by his insolence that he was dismissed from the army, and he died friendless and alone in a Philadelphia tavern, October 2, 1781. 

2 William Smallwood was one of the distinguished officers of the Revolution. He was born in Kent county, Maryland, in 
I7J2, and died in that slate in 1792. The Maryland troops under his command look a prominent part in the battle of Brooklyn 
Heights, bore the brunt of the fight at White Plains, and saved the day at Gcrmantown. Smallwood was wounded several times, 
was repeatedly promoted, and after the war served in congress and as governor of his native stale. 

19 



MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS 

is In Georgia and Virginia — In addition to these, their whole influence 
is exerted to stimulate the Indians from one end of the Western frontier 
to the other against us, and reinforcements are expected from Europe. 
But what may be their precise destination or amount is uncertain — The 
current of intelligence points to New York and to at least 5000 Men. 

Our own force and present disposition are pretty well known to you; 
but to give you a more exact idea, I shall observe, that, besides the Penn- 
sylvania, Maryland and Virginia troops now in this camp and the North 
Carolina troops at Paramus, there are three Brigades of Massachusetts 
troops and one of Connecticut on the North River — one of the latter at 
Danbury and about 2500 Continental troops at Rhode Island. You will 
be able to form a sufficiently accurate judgment of the collective strength 
of these Corps; but if you should wish for more precise information, you 
can obtain it by applying to me. The rest of our force except about 6 or 
700 on the Ohio will be employed to the Westward against the Indians — 

I can say scarcely anything of the reinforcements we have reason to 
expect — The measures persuing by the several States to augment their 
battalions and the success with which they are attended have as yet come 
but partially to my knowledge. I fear our prospects are very incon- 
siderable. 

Under this concise account of matters and taking a comprehensive 
view of our affairs in general — particularly the state of our supplies and 
the depreciation of our currency — I am to request you will favor me with 
your opinion of the plan of conduct which it will be proper for us to 
persue at this juncture for the advancement of the common cause and for 
the honor & interest of the American Arms ; in doing which, I shall be 
obliged by a very free and full communication of your sentiments — 

I am Sir 

Your Most Obet. servant, 

G° Washington. 
Brigadier Gen"- Smallwood. 



80 



MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS 



GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL ST. CLAIR. 



Sir, 



Head Quarters Middle 
Brook June 2'^ 1779. 



I have received your letter of this date ^ past eight — 

The Virginia division marched this day with orders to endeavor to 
reach Morris Town to-morrow and to communicate with you and proceed 
according to intelligence and circumstances — You will be pleased to 
open a correspondence with the commanding officer for this purpose. 

To-morrow if possible the Maryland division will march also and by 
the same route — 

I send you a small addition of Cavalry— 

I rely entirely upon your prudence and judgment for taking such 
measures as the exigency of the case shall require — 

So soon as the last troops move I shall come immediately forward to 
join you — by the way of Pluchamin' and Morris Town. 

I am, Dr. Sir, 
Y^ most Obe' Servant 

G? Washington. 
General St. Clair. ^ 

[Inscribed: Major Gen' St. Clair. Go. Washington. Endorsed: General 
Washington June 2'^ 1779- Middle Brook.] 



1 For Pluckemin, a town in New Jersey, which derived its singular name from an old Irishman noted for his address in impos- 
ing on the credulous. 

2 Arthur St. Clair was born in Thurso, Caithness, Scotland, in 1734, received a scientific and classical education, went into 
the army, and came to this country in 1757. He served under General Amherst at the capture of Louisburg and under Wolfe at 
Quebec. In 1764 he settled down as a farmer in Ligonier valley, Pennsylvania, and held many civil offices. He was appointed 
brigadier-general in the Continental army in 1776, organized the New Jersey militia, participated in the battles of Princeton and 
Trenton, and succeeded Gates in command of Ticonderoga. When attacked by a superior force he evacuated the fort and thereby 
incurred the displeasure of Washington. Nevertheless he acted as his aide at Brandywine and assisted Sullivan in organizing his 
expedition against the Six Nations. He was a member of the court that condemned Major Andre, was active in raising troops and 
sending them to the South, and joined Washington shortly before the surrender of Cornwallis. He was a delegate to the Conti- 
nental congress and served as president in 17S7. On the organization of the Northwestern territory he was appointed its governor 
and served till iSoi. Although Washington's last words to him were, ^' Beware of a surprise," he was incautious and being sur- 
prised near the Miami village on November 4, 1791, was defeated by the Indians led by Blue Jacket, Little Turtle, and Simon 
Girty, the renegade. Washington refused a court of inquiry, but congress appointed a committee to investigate his conduct and it 
exonerated him. St, Clair died in Greensburg, Pa., August Jl, 1S18. 



MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS 



GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL ST. CLAIR. 

Head Quarters Morris Town 12^ Feb^ 1780. 
Dear Sir 

I received yours of yesterday, late last night. I am pleased to find 
that the Vigilance of your Guards and patrolls disappointed the enemy 
whatever might have been their intentions. I have taken precautions to 
guard against an attempt by such a party as might be reasonably supposed 
to be able to reach this in the course of a night, and I hope that a short 
continuance of this Weather will make the Ice impassable by Horse — 
from Foot there is no danger at this distance. 

If you still think an attempt upon Buskirk's Corps practicable you 
are at full liberty to try the experiment. I am confident you will under- 
take nothing but what will be justified by appearances and a probability 
of success. 

I am with great Regard 
Dear Sir 
Y^ most Obt. Serv' 

G? Washington. 
General St. Clair. 

P. S. As the enemy have made an incursion with their Horse by 
the way of Hackensack, will it not be prudent in you to extend your 
patrols of Horse more to vour left while the Ice is passable. Whenever 
persons apply for liberty to go within the Enemy's lines having the per- 
mission of the Executive of any of the States, Congress or Board of War, 
you may suffer them to pass without an application to me. Mons. Thierry 
will call upon you for a passport either by Staten Island or Paulus Hook 
as he may find admission. — You will be pleased to grant it to him — 



82 



Washington s Coat of Arms 
Used as His Bookplate 



LETT 



GENERAL ST. CLAIR. 



Head Ouarters Morris Town ii'^ Feb' 1780. 



suppos. 
that a sho 
' •■ Horse- 



s practicable you 

.obabiJi 



If you '^ 

are a; riment. I 

.mt w.^at vMll De justified by a|. , ... .1 

Y' most Obt. Serv' 

G? Washington. 

P. ave made an i' 



of any 
nay suffer them to pass without 



your 

.'er 

War, 



i look 



It lit Ill.lV IIIIU tH,lill 1>^>1 l-'i 1 . 




PRIVATE PLATE 



^/f^"' 



MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS 

GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GOVERNOR JEFFERSON. 
/ 

Head Quarters New Windsor 4'"^ April 1781. 
Sir, 

I am to acknowledge the honor of your Excellency's favors of the 
19'^ and 21" ult° and again to thank you, for your uniform and speedy 
communication of every southern event which comes to your knowledge. 

I have the pleasure to find, from General Greene's official letter, that 
Lord Cornwallis is not likely to reap any great benefits from his late Vic- 
tory — indeed — were we certain that he would not soon receive fresh 
succours, we might hope that he would ultimately be obliged to quit his 
present ground in consequence of the incumbrance which his wounded 
must be to him. But I very much fear, we shall soon hear that General 
Phillips, who sailed from New York about a fortnight ago with a detach- 
ment said to be 1500 Men, is bending his course towards his Lordship. 

You have been, by this time, made acquainted with the unfortunate 
event which prevented the execution of the plan against Arnold. Had 
the French Fleet luckily gained the Chesapeak before they were overtaken 
by the British, I think we could not have failed of Success. 

The Pennsylvania Line will be pushed forward, by detachment, as 
fast as they can be reassembled or recruited. I hope the i^' division will 
consist of five or six hundred, and that they will be soon upon their march. 
Having heard nothing from them very lately, I cannot ascertain the time, 
but I am certain that General Wayne, who will go forward with the first, 
will be active on the occasion. 

I have the honor to be with very 
great Respect and Esteem 
Y' Excellency's 
Most ob' and humble Serv* 

G? Washington. 
His Excellency 

Gov. Jefferson. 

[Endorsed: General Washington's Letter. April zG"" 1781.] 

83 



MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS 



GENERAL WASHINGTON TO MR. JOSEPH JONES.' 

Newburgh 14'*' Dec'' 1782. 
Dear Sir, 

In the course of a few days Congress will, I expect, receive an Address 
from the Army on the subject of their grievances. 

This address, tho' couched in very respectful terms, is one of those 
things which tho' unpleasing, is just now unavoidable. — For I was very 
apprehensive once, that matters would have taken a more unfavorable 
turn from the variety of discontents wh. prevail at this time. — The 
temper of the army is much soured, and has been more irritable than at 
any other period since the commencement of the War. — This consider- 
ation alone prevented me (for everything else seemed to be in a state of 
inactivity and almost tranquillity) from requesting leave to spend this 
Winter in Virginia, that I might give some attention to my long neglected 
private concerns. — 

The dissatisfactions of the Army had arisen to a great & alarming 
height — & combinations among the officers to resign in a body — at given 
periods — were beginning to take place, when by some address & manage- 
ment their resolutions had been converted into the form in which they 
will now appear before Congress — What that Honorable Body can, or 
will do in the matter, does not belong to me to determine ; but policy in 
my opinion should dictate soothing measures, as it is an incontrovartible 
fact, that no part of the community has undergone equal hardships and 
borne them with the same patience and fortitude that the Army has done. — 
Hitherto the Officers have stood between the lower order of the Soldiery 
& the public — & in more instances than one have quelled, at the hazard 

of 

1 Joseph Jones was a distinguished member of the Continental congress from Virginia and was born in that state in 1727 and 
died there in 1805. In this and the two succeeding letters General Washington gave a vivid account of the suiferings airt wrongs 
of the soldiers of the Continental army, and pleaded with him to exert his influence to see that the accounts of the soldiers were 
liquidated, that they might return to iheir homes satisfied. The letters throw new tight on a most critical period in Washington's 

life the intrigue of the officers against the authority of congress. Anonymous addresses had been circulated and a desperate effort 

was made to rouse the army to resentment. When'a meeting of the officers was called, Washington insisted upon attending, and 
delivered a most impresssve addrees. After reading the first paragraph of what he had prepared, he begged the indulgence of those 
present while he paused to put on his spectacles, saying that he " had grown grav in the service of hia country and now found him- 
self growing blind." Proceeding with his address, he dwelt upon the services and sacrifices of the army, reminded them of the 
poverty of congress and urged them '■'■ to express their utmost horror and detestation of the man who wishes, under any specious 
pretences, to overthrow the liberties of our country, and who wickedly attempts to open the fioodgatcs of civil discord and deluge 
our rising empire in blood." He retired with a heart full of grief and forebodings, but the officers, who regarded him with the 
utmost tenderness and had the highest respect for his opinions, followed his advice. " Every doubL-wos dispelled," wrote Major 
Shaw in his journal, " and the tide of patriotism rolled again in its wonted course." 

84 



MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS 

of their lives, very dangerous Mutinies — But if their discontent should 
be suffered to rise equally high, I know not what the consequences may be. 

The spirit of enthusiasm which overcame every thing at first, is done 
away — It is idle therefore to expect more from Military Men than from 
those discharging Civil offices of Government. — If both were to fare 
equally alike with respect to the emoluments of office I would answer for 
it that the Military character should not be the first to complain. — But it 
is an inviduous distinction, and one that will not stand the test of reason or 
policy, that one set should receive all and the other no part (or that which 
is next to it) of their pay; in a word the experiment is dangerous and tho' 
it should succeed, would only prove that the one is actuated by more Zeal 
than the other — not that they have less occasion for their money. 

G° Washington. 
The Honble 

Joseph Jones Esq" 



GENERAL WASHINGTON TO MR. JOSEPH JONES. 

Newburgh, ii^^ March, 1783. 
Dear Sir, 

I have reed, your letter of the 27^ ult. & thank you for the infor- 
mation & freedom of your communications. My official letter to Con- 
gress of this date will inform you what has happened in this quarter. 
In addition to which, it may be necessary it should be known to you, & 
to such others as you may think proper, that the temper of the Army> 
tho' very irritable on acct. of their long and protracted sufferings, has 
been apparently extremely quiet while this business was depending before 
congress, until four days past. — In the meantime it should seem reports 
have been propagated in Philadelphia, that dangerous combinations were 
forming in the army & this at a time when there was not a syllable of the 
kind in agitation in camp. 

It also appears that upon the arrival of a certain gentleman from 
Philadelphia in camp, whose name I do not at present incline to mention,' 

such 

I Walter Stewart, in the opinion oi Jatnes Madison. 

85 



MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS 

such sentiments as these were immediately & industriously circulated. — 
That it was universally expected that the army would not disband until 
they had obtained justice. — That the public creditors looked up to 
them to redress their grievances, would afford them every aid, and even 
join them in the field if necessary. — That some members of Congress 
wished the measure might take effect in order to compel the public, particu- 
larly the delinquent States, to do justice — with many other suggestions of a 
similar nature, from whence & a variety of other considerations, it is gener- 
ally believed the scheme was not only planned, but also digested & 
matured in Philadelphia and that some people had been playing a double 
game — spreading at the camp and in Philadelphia reports, & raising jeal- 
ousies equally void of foundation, until called into being by their vile 
artifices ; — for as soon as the minds of the officers were thought to be pre- 
pared for the transaction, an anonymous invitation was circulated, request- 
ing a general meeting of the officers next day — at the same instant, many 
copies of the address of the officers of the army were circulated in every 
State line of it. 

So soon as I obtained knowledge of these things I issued the order 
of the ii''' (transmitted to Congress) in order to rescue the foot that 
stood wavering on the precipiece of despair, from taking those steps wh. 
wd. have led to the abyss of misery, while the passions were inflamed, and 
the mind tremblingly alive to the recollection of past sufferings, & their 
present feelings. — I did this upon the principle that it is easier to 
divert from a wrong to a right path, than it is to recal the hasty & fatal 
steps which have been already taken. 

It is commonly supposed, if the officers had met agreeably to the 
anonymous summons, resolutions might have been formed, consequences 
of which may be more easily conceived than expressed. — Now, they 
will have leisure to review the matter more calmly & seriously. — 
It is to be hoped they will be induced to adopt more rational measures, 
and wait awhile for the settlement of their accounts, the postponing 
of which gives more uneasiness in the army than other anything. — 
There is not a man in it who will not acknowledge that Congress have 
not the means of paying him ; — but why not say they — one and all — 

liquidate the accounts and certify their dues .'' Are we to be disbanded & 

sent 

86 



MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS 

sent home without this ? — are we afterwards to make individual applica- 
tions for such settlement at Philadelphia, or at any auditor's office in our 
respective states ; — to be shifted perhaps from one board to another, & 
dance attendance at all ; and finally be postponed till we lose the sub- 
stance in pursuit of the shadow. — While they are agitated by these con- 
siderations, there are not wanting invidious characters who tell them " It 
is neither the wish nor intention of the public to settle your accounts, but 
to delay them under one pretext or another, till peace, which we are upon 
the verge of, & a separation of the army takes place ; when it is well 
known, it will be difficult, if not impracticable a general settlement can be 
accomplished, and that individual loss, in this instance will be a public 
gain." 

However derogatory these ideas are to the dignity, honor & justice 
of Government, yet in a matter so interesting to the army, & at the same 
time so easy to be effected by the public as that of liquidating the accounts 
is delayed, without any apparent or obvious necessity, they will have their 
place in a mind that is soured & has become irritable. — Let me intreat 
you therefore, my good Sir, to push this matter to an issue and if there 
are delegates among you who are really opposed to doing justice to the 
army, scruple not to tell them, if matters come to extremity, that they 
must be answerable for all the ineffable horrors which may be occasioned 
thereby. 

With great respect, etc 

G° Washington. 
The Honble 

Joseph Jones, Esq" 

[Note : This letter is in the autograph of James Madison and is endorsed by 
him : Copy taken by permission.] 



MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS 






GENERAL WASHINGTON TO MR. JOSEPH JONES. 



Newburgh iS'*" March, 1783. 

The Storm, which seemed to be gathering with unfavorable prognos- 
tics, when I wrote to you last, is dispersed ; and we are again in a state ot 
tranquility — But do not. My Dear Sir, suffer this appearance of tran- 
quility to relax your endeavours to bring the request of the Army to a con- 
clusion.- — Believe me, the Officers are too much pressed by their present 
wants, & are rendered too sore by the recollection of their past sufferings 
to be touched much longer upon the string of forbearance, in matters 
wherein they can see no cause for delay — Nor would I have further 
reliance placed on any influence of mine to dispel other clouds if more 
should arise from the causes of the last. — 

By my official letter to Congress, and the papers enclosed in it, you 
will have a full view of my assurances to, and the expectation of the Army ; 
and I persuade myself that the well wishers to both — and of their country, 
will exert themselves to the utmost to irradicate the seeds of distrust, & 
give every satisfaction that justice requires, and the means which Con- 
gress possess will enable them to do.— 

In a former letter I observed to you, that a liquidation of accts. in 
order that the ballances might be ascertained is the great object of the 
Army, and certainly nothing can be more reasonable. — To have these 
Ballances discharged at this, or in any short period, however desirable, 
they know is impracticable — and do not expect it; altho' in the mean- 
time, they must labour under the pressure of those sufferings which is felt 
more sensibly by a comparison of circumstances. — 

The situation of these Gentlemen merit the attention of every think- 
ing and grateful mind.— As Officers, they have been obliged to dress 
& appear in character. — To effect this they have been obliged to antici- 
pate their pay, or participate their Estates. — By the first, debts have 
been contracted. — By the latter, their patrimony is injured. — To dis- 
band men therefore under these circumstances, before their accounts are 
liquidated and the Ballances ascertained, would be to sett open the doors 
of gaols and then to close them upon seven years' faithful and painfu 

services. — 

88 



MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS 

services. — Under any circumstances which the nature of the case will 
admit, they must be considerable sufferers ; because necessity will compell 
them to part with their cirtificates for whatever they will fetch, to avoid 
the evil I have mentioned above. — And how much this will place them 
in the hands of unfeeling — avaricious speculators, a recurrence to past 
experience will sufficiently prove. — 

It may be said by those who have no disposition to compensate the 
services of the Army, that the Officers have more foresight than to place 
dependence (in any alternative) upon the strength of their own arm — 
I will readily concede to these Gentlemen that no good could result from 
such an attempt, but I hope they will be equally candid in acknowledg- 
ing, that much mischief may flow from it — and that nothing is too extrava- 
gant, to expect from men, who conceive they are ungratefully and 
unjustly dealt by, — especially too, if they can suppose that characters are 
not wanting to foment every passion which leads to discord — and that 
there are — but, — time shall reveal the rest. 

Let it suffice, that the very attempt would imply a want of justice, 
and fix an indelible stain upon our national character; as the whole world 
— as well from the Enemies publications (without any intention to serve 
us) as our own, must be strongly impressed with the sufferings of this 
Army from hunger, cold and nakedness in almost every stage of the war. 

With great respect, etc. 
The Honble G? Washington. 

Joseph Jones Esq." 



v/ 



GENERAL WASHINGTON TO LIEUTENANT-COLONEL TILGHMAN." 

Newburgh lo'^ Jan^ 1783. 
My Dear Sir, 

I have been favored with your letters of the 22'* & 24'^ of last 
month from Philadelp'; & thank you for the trouble you have had with 

my 

I Tench Tilghman was born in Maryland in 1744 and died in Baltimore in 17S6. He began life as a merchant in Philadel- 
phia, but joined the army on the outbreak of the Revolution and in August, 1776, became military secretary and aide upon Wash- 
ington's staiF, serving as such to the end of the war. He was selected by Washington to bear to Congress the news of the sur- 
render of Cornv^allis, and received the thanks of that body. 

89 



MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS 



my small Commissions. — I have sent M'' Rittenhouse the glass of such 
spectacles as suit my eyes, that he may know how to grind his Christals. — 

Neither Du portail nor Gouvion are arrived at this place. — To the 
latter, I am refered by the Marq' la Fayette for some matters which he 
did not chuse to commit to writing. — The sentim'^' however which he 
has delivered — (with respect to the Negotiations for Peace) accord pre- 
cisely with the ideas I have entertained of this business, ever since the 
secession of M'' Fox, — viz. that no peace would be concluded before the 
meeting of the British Parliament. — And that, if did it not take place 
within a month afterwards, we might lay our ace'* for one more Campaign 
— ai least. 

The obstinacy of the King, and his unwilling to acknowledge the 
Independency of this Country, I have ever considered as the greatest 
obstacles in the way of a Peace. — Lord Shelburne who is not only at 
the head of the Administration, but has been introducing others of simi- 
lar sentiments to his own — has declared, that nothing but tJire necessity 
should ever force the measure. — Of this necessity men will entertain dif- 
ferent opinions. — M"^ Fox it seems, thought the period had arrived 
sometime ago ; and yet Peace is not made — nor will it, I conceive, if the 
influence of the Crown can draw for^h fresh supplies from the Nation, 
for the purpose of carrying on the War. 

By the meeting of Parliament, Lord Shelburne would have been 
able to ascertain two things — first, the best terms on which G. Britain 
could obtain Peace. — Secondly, the ground on which he himself stood. — 
If he found it slippery, & that the voice of the People was for pacific 
measures — he would then, have informed the Parliament that, after many 
months spent in Negotiation — such were the best terms he could obtain — 
and that the alternative of accepting them or preparing vigorously for the 
prosecution of the War, was submitted to their consideration (being an 
extraordinary case) and decision. — A little time therefore, If I have 
formed a just opinion of the matter, will disclose the result of it — conse- 
quently, we shall either soon have Peace, or not the most agreeable 
prospect of War, before us — as it appears evident to me, that the States 
generally, are sunk into the most profound lethargy, while some of them, 

are running quite retrograde. — 

The 

90 



i 



MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS 

The King of G. B. by his Letters Patent (which I have seen) has 
authorized M'' Oswald to treat with any Commissioner, or Com''^ from 
the United States of America, who shall appear with proper powers — 
This, certainly, is a capital point gained. — It is at least breaking ground 
on their part, — and I dare say proved a bitter pill to Royalty ; but, it was 
indispensably necessary to answer one of the points above mentioned, as 
the American Commissioners would enter on no business with M"' Oswald 
till his Powers were made to suit their purposes. — Upon the whole, I 
am fixed in an opinion that Peace — or — a pretty long continuance of the 
War will have been determined before the adjournment for the Holli- 
days ; and as it will be the middle or last of February before we shall 
know the result, time will pass heavily on in this dreary mansion — where 
we are, at present, fast locked in frost & snow. — 

Nothing new has happened in this quarter since you left it, except 
the abuse of me in a New York Paper for having given false information 
to the Count de Vergennes ; which (says the writer) was the occasion of 
the insinuation in his Letter to me of a want of British justice. — I have 
not seen the Paper but am told the author of the piece is quite in a 
passion at my want of ingenuity — and ascribes the release of Capt" Asgill 
to a peremptory order from the Couri of France (in whose service he 
places me) notwithstanding the soft and complaisant language of the 
French Minister's Letter. 

M" Washington has received the Shoes you ordered for her, & 
thanks you for your attention to her request — I receive with great sensi- 
bility & pleasure your assurances of affection and regard. — It would be 
but a renewal of what I have often repeated to you, that there are few 
men in the world to whom I am more attached by inclination than I am 
to you. — With the Cause, I hope — most devotedly hope, — there will 
soon be an end to my Military Services — When as our places of resi- 
dence will not be far apart, I shall never be more happy than in your 
company at M' Vernon. — I shall always be glad to hear from and keep 
up a correspondence with you. — 

M" Washington joins me in every wish that can tend to your happi- 
ness. — Humphrys & Walker, who are the only Gentlemen of the Family 

that 

91 



MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS 

that are with me at present — will speak for themselves. — If this finds 
you at Baltimore, I pray mv respects to M' Carroll and family. — With 
the greatest esteem and regard 

I am — Dear Sir 

Y' most Obed' and 
Affect. H"-^ Serv' 

G? Washington. 
Lieut'^ Col° Tilghman. 



DISCHARGE OF A CONTINENTAL SOLDIER. 

By His Excellency 

GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq; 

General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the 

United States of America. 



T' 



'HESE are to CERTIFY that the Bearer hereof 
John Southerd private 
in the Second N. York Regiment, having faithflilly served the United 
States Six Years and Six Months and being inlisted for the War only, is 
hereby DISCHARGED from the American Army. 

Given a: Head-Ouarters the 

G? Washington. 
By His Excellency's 

Command, 
J. Trumbull, Jun' Secy. 

Registered in the Books 
of the Regiment, 

Christ. Hutton, L' & Adjutant. 

The above John Southerd private has been honored with the Badge 
of Merit for Six Years faithful Service. 

P. CORTLANDT, Col° 

Head-Quarters 

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MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS 

Head-Quarters, June 8'*' 1783. 
THE within CERTIFICATE shall not avail the Bearer as a Dis- 
charge, until the Ratification of the definitive Treaty of Peace ; previous 
to which Time, and until Proclamation thereof shall be made. He is to 
be considered as being on Furlough. 

G? Washington. 

[On the face of the discharge appear the words : Warrant Issued for one 
hundred acres. War OfBce October i6th, 1790.] 



GENERAL W.^iSHINGTON TO MARQUIS DE CHASTELLUX.' 

Mount Vernon, iS'*" Aug. 1786. 
My Dear Marquis : 

I cannot omit to seize the earliest occasion, to acknowledge the 
receipt of your very affectionate letter you did me the honor of writing 
to me on the 22"'' of May ; as well as to thank you for the present of 
your Travels in America and the Translation of Colonel Humphreys 
Poem, all of which came safely to hand by the same conveyance. 

Knowing as I did, the candour, liberality & philanthropy of the 
Marquis de Chastellux, I was prepared to disbelieve any imputations that 
might militate against those amiable qualities. For character & habits 
are not easily taken up, or suddenly laid aside. Nor does that mild 
species of philosophy, which aims at promoting human happiness, ever 
belye itself by deviating from the generous & godlike pursuit. — Hav- 
ing, notwithstanding, understood that some misrepresentations, of the 
work in question, had been circulated ; I was happy to learn that you 

had 

I Francois Jean, Chevalier de Chaslellux, was born in Paris in 1734 and died in that city October zS, 178S. He entered the 
army when a boy, made a gallant record, and came to this country, serving as major-general under Rochambeau, and gaining the 
friendship of Washington. His " Voyage dans I'Amerique septentrionale dans les annes " was published in Paris in 1786 and 
contains an interesting account of the war and observations on the character of the chief actors in it. The Colonel David Humph- 
reys mentioned in the above letter was born in Derby, Conn., July 10, 1752, and died in New Haven, Conn., February 11, 1818. 
He was graduated from Yale in 1771, was attached to the staff of General Putnam in 1778 and in 1780 was appointed aide-de-camp 
to Washington, which place he retained till the close of hostilities. At the siege of Yorktown he particularly distinguished him- 
self and congress gave him a sword. He was a poet of no mean ability and during the war wrote stirring lyrics designed to stimu- 
late the patriotism of the soldiers. On the disbanding of the troops he accompanied Washington to Mount Vernon and lived 
there a year. He was then appointed secretary of legation to Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas JeiFerson, who were 
sent to negotiate treaties of commerce and amity with European powers. He returned in 1786, and remained a member of Wash- 
ington's famiiy till 1790, when he was appointed minister to Portugal. His "'Address to the Armies of the United States " was 
translated into French by Marquis de Chastellux. 

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had taken the most effectual method to put a stop to their circulation, by 
publishing a more ample and correct edition. Col° Humphreys (who 
spent some weeks at Mount Vernon) confirms me in the sentiment, by 
giving a most flattering account of the whole performance. He has also 
put into my hands the translation of that part in which you say such, 
& so many handsome things of me ; that (altho' no sceptic on ordinary 
occasions) I may perhaps be allowed to doubt whether your friendship 
& partiality have not, in this one instance, acquired an accendency over 
your cooler judgment. 

Having been thus unwarily, and I may be permitted to add, almost 
unavoidably betrayed into a kind of necessity to speak of myself, and 
not wishing to resume that subject, I chuse to close it forever by observ- 
ing ; that as, on the one hand, I consider it an indubitable mark of mean- 
spiritedness & pitiful vanity to court applause from the pen or tongue of 
man ; so on the other, I believe it to be a proof of false modesty or an 
unworthy affectation of humility to appear altogether insensible to the 
commendations of the virtuous & enlightened part of our species. Per- 
haps nothing can excite more perfect harmony in the soul, than to have 
this string vibrate in unison with the internal consciousness of rectitude 
in our intentions, and an humble hope of approbation from the supreme 
disposer of all things. 

I have communicated to Colonel Humphreys that paragraph in 
your letter which announces the very favorable reception his Poem has 
met in France. — Upon the principles I have just laid down he cannot 
be indifferent to the applause of so enlightened a nation, nor to the suf- 
ferages of the King & Queen who have been pleased to honor it with 
their royal approbation. 

We have no news on this side of the Atlantic, worth the pains of 

sending across it. The Country is recovering rapidly from the ravages 

of War. — The seeds of population are scattered far in the Wilderness 

— agriculture is prosecuted with industry — The works of peace, such 

as opening rivers, building bridges, &c. are carried on with spirit — 

Trade is not so successful as we could wish — Our State Governments 

are well administered. Some objects in our Foederal system might 

probably be altered for the better — I rely much on the good sense of 

my 

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my Countrymen & trust that a superintending Providence will disap- 
point the hopes of our enemies. With sentiments of the sincerest 

friendship, I am, my dear Marqs., 

Y' Obed' and Affect^ Servt' 

G? Washington. 
The Marqs. de Chastellux. 



GENERAL WASHINGTON TO GENERAL KNOX. 

Philadelphia 31^' May 1787. 
Dear Sir, 

It gave me great pleasure to find by your letter of the 29'*^ that 
you were freed from all apprehension on ace' of Miss Lucy's eye — and that 
we might flatter ourselves with the expectation of seeing M" Knox & 
you at this place. — It was not untill Friday last that Seven States as- 
sembled in Convention. By these I was, much against my wish, unani- 
mously placed in the chair — Ten States are now represented, and 
Maryland probably will be so in the course of a few days. — Should 
New Hampshire come forward, Rhode Island will then stand very singu- 
larly alone. 

As it is not even certain that this letter will get to New York before 
you shall have left it I will only add Compliments to M"'' Knox and 

assurances of the sincerest friendship of 

Y-- afFec^ 

G° Washington. 
[To General Knox.] 



president Washington to the commissioners. 

Philadelphia Sep. 5'^ 1793. 
Gentlemen, 

Ml" Winstanley, a celebrated Landskip Painter, is disposed to take 
a view of the Federal City, or of the grounds in the vicinity of it. — 

As 



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MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS 

As you will be there about the time he may arrive, I take the liberty of 
giving him this letter of introduction to you. 

His designs are more extensive and I have suggested the Great & 
little Falls; — the passage of the River Potomac through the Blue Moun- 
tains — the Natural bridge ; &c as grand objects. — I am always 

Your Most Obed. Ser' 

G? Washington. 

[Directed to Thomas Johnson, David Stuart and Dan' Carroll Esquires, 
Comm" of the Federal District, George Town. Favored by M' Winstanley.] 



GEORGE WASHINGTON TO P.ATRICK. HENRY. 

Confidential. I 

Mount Vernon, 15''' Jan>' 1799. 
Dear Sir 

At the threshold of this letter, I ought to make an apology for its 
contents ; — but if you will give me credit for my motives, I will contend 
for no more, however erroneous my sentiments may appear to you. — ■ 

It would be a waste of time, to attempt to bring to the view of a 
person of your observation & discernment, the endeavors of a certain 
party among us, to disquiet the Public mind with unfounded alarms ; — 
to arraign every act of the Administration ; — to set the People at varience 
with their Government ; — and to embarrass all its measures. — Equally 
useless would it be, to predict what must be the inevitable consequences 
of such policy, if it cannot be arrested. — 

Unfortunately, and extremely do ! regret it, the State of Virginia 
has taken the lead in this opposition. — I have said the Slate Because 

the 

I This letter, which is of very great importance and in the composition of which Washington took special pains, relates to 
the alien and sedition laws which had been passed by Congress, and to the resolutions of the legislatures of Kentucky and 
Virginia in denunciation of them, passed in November and December, 1798. The resolutions of the Kentucky legislature declared 
these acts " not law but altogether void and of no force " and those of the Virginia legislature denounced them as *^ palpable and 
alarming infractions of the constitution." Washington was greatly alarmed, not only at the attempt of states to nullify the acts of 
the nation but at the elforts to involve the United States in quarrels with European nations. No reply to this letter has ever been 
found, but there is little doubt that Patrick Henry's successful candidacy for a seat in the house of representatives was in response 
to Washington's urgent appeal. 



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the conduct of its Legislature in the Eyes of the World, will authorize 
the expression ; — because it is an incontrovertable fact, that the principle 
leaders of the opposition dwell in it ; — and because no doubt is enter- 
tained, I believe, that with the help of the Chiefs in other States, all the 
plans are arranged ; and systematically pursued by their followers in other 
parts of the Union ; — though in no State except Kentucky (that I have 
heard of) has Legislative countenance been obtained, beyond Virginia. — 

It has been said, that a great mass of the Citizens of this State are 
well affected, notwithstanding, to the General Government, and the 
Union ; — and I am willing to believe it — nay do believe it : — but how is 
this to be reconciled with their suffrages at the Elections of Representa- 
tives ; both to Congress & their State Legislature ; who are men opposed 
to the first, and by the tendency of their measures would destroy the 
latter ? — Some among us, have endeavored to account for this incon- 
sistency and though convinced ourselves, of its truth, they are unable to 
convince others ; who are unacquainted with the internal policy of the 
State. — 

One of the reasons assigned is, that the most respectable & best 
qualified characters among us, will not come forward. — Easy & happy 
in their circumstances at home, and believing themselves secure in their 
liberties & property, will not forsake them, or their occupations, and 
engage in the turmoil of public business ; — or expose themselves to the 
calumnies of their opponents, whose weapons are detraction. — 

But at such a crisis as this, when everything dear & valuable to us 
is assailed ; when this Party hang upon the Wheels of Government as a 
dead weight, opposing every measure that is calculated for defence & self 
preservation ; — abetting the nefarious views of another Nation, upon our 
rights ; — preferring, as long as they durst contend openly against the 
spirit & resentment of the People, the interest of France to the Welfare 
of their own Country ; — justifying the first at the expence of the latter : — 
when every act of their own Government is tortured by constructions 
they will not bear, into attempts to infringe & trample upon the Consti- 
tution with a view to introduce Monarchy ; — when the most unceasing, 
& purest exertions were making to maintain a Neutrality which has been 

proclaimed by the Executive, approved unequivocally by Congress, by the 

State 

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State Legislatures, — nay by the people themselves, in various meetings; 
and to preserve the Country in Peace, are charged as a measure calcu- 
lated to favor Great Britain at the expence of France, — and all those who 
had any agency in it, are accused of being under the influence of the 
former, and her pensioners ; — when measures are systematically and per- 
tenaciously pursued, which must eventually dissolve the Union or pro- 
duce coercion. — I say, when these things have become so obvious, 
ought characters who are best able to rescue their Country from the pend- 
ing evil to remain at home ? — Rather, ought they not to come forward, 
and by their talents and influence, stand in the breach wh. such conduct 
has made on the Peace and happiness of this country, and oppose the 
widening of it ? — 

Vain will it be to look for Peace and happiness, or for the security 
of liberty or property, if Civil discord should ensue, — and what else can 
result from the policy of those among us, who, by all the means in their 
power, are driving matters to extremity, if they cannot be counteracted 
effectually ? — The views of Men can only be known, or guessed at, by 
Their words or actions. — Can those of the Leaders of Opposition be 
mistaken then, if judged by this Rule ? — That they are followed by 
numbers who are unacquainted with their designs, and suspect little, the 
tendency of their principles, I am fully pursuaded — But, if their con- 
duct is viewed with indifference : — if there is activity and misrepresenta- 
tion on one side, and supiness on the other, their numbers, accumulated 
by Intriguing, and discontented foreigners under proscription, who were 
at war with their own governments, and the greater part of them with all 
Government, their numbers will increase, & nothing, short of Omnisci- 
ence, can foretell the consequences. — 

I come now, my good Sir, to the object of my letter — which is — to 
express a hope, and an earnest wish, that you wd. come forward at the 
ensuing Elections (if not for Congress, which you may think would take 
you too long from home) as a Candidate for representative, in the Gen- 
eral Assembly of this Commonwealth. 

There are, I have no doubt, very many sensible men who oppose 
themselves to the torrent that carries away others, who had rather swim 
with, than stem it, without an able Pilot to conduct them — but these are 

neither 

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neither old In Legislation, nor well known in the Community. — Your 
weight of character and influence in the Ho. of Representatives would 
be a bulwark against such dangerous sentiments as are delivered there at 
present. — It would be a rallying point for the timid, and an attraction 
to the wavering. — In a word, I conceive it to be of immense import- 
ance at this crisis that you should be there ; — and I would fain hope that 
all minor considerations will be made to yield to the measure. 

If I have erroneously supposed that your sentiments on these sub- 
jects are in union with mine ; — or if I have assumed a liberty which the 
occasion does not warrant, I must conclude as I began, with praying that 
my motives may be received as an apology ; and that my fear, that the 
tranquillity of the Union, and of this State in particular, is hastening to 
an awful crisis, have extorted them from me. 

With great, and very sincere regard and respect, — I am — Dear Sir 

Your Most Obed' & Very H"= Servt^ 

G? Washington. 
Patrick Henry Esq' 



GEORGE WASHINGTON TO GENERAL KNOX. 

Mount Vernon 11^ May 1799. 
Dear Sir, 

Ralph Wormeley Esq^ (who will present this letter to you) carries 
one of his sons to Harvard College, to be fixed there as a Student. — 
Being a Stranger in the New England States, I beg leave to introduce 
him to your acquaintance & civilities. 

He is a Gentleman of respectability in his own State ; — a friend to 
the Constitution & Government of the Union ; — and a person of Infor- 
mation ; — qualifications which, I persuade myself, will insure him a ready 
reception with you. — 

Present M''* Washington's best regards along with mine, to M"^ & 

Miss Knox ; — and be assured of the sincere & 

Affectionate esteem of Yours 

always 

G? Washington. 
General Knox. 

LofC. 

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MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS 

MARTHA WASHINGTON TO MRS. WASHINGTON. 

Mount Vernon June the 22^ 1784. 
My Dear Madam — 

After a very long passage the Cotton arrived safe. — I was much 
concerned that I should have given Mr. B. Washington the troble, — 
He thought it would be a very easy thing to percure, — it was to add to 
some thread 1 have had spun several years in the House, — I thank 
you for the cotton, and should be very unhappy if you have disfirnished 
your self by spairing it out of your own stock, — it would have been noe 
inconveniance to me, to have stayed another year, for to have my piece, 
of cloth finished, — my spinners had just spun up all the wool and had 
little to doe, was the reason I thought of spinning cotton — and I could 
not get any in this part of the country — the West India cotton not be- 
ing brought to Alexandria in the shops — 

It would in deed give me much pleasure to come to Bushfield to 
visit you and will when it is convenient to the General to leve Home on 
a visit ; he has so much business of his one and the publicks to gather 
that I fear he will never find lezure to goe to see his friends ; — I would 
with pleasure have sent you the weeping willow but the man told me he 
was not going down derectly, — if he had, it was too late to plant it this 
summer, at the proper time for planting it, you may have as much as you 
please as it would give me pleasure to send you any thing of that sort 
that is worth sending to you from here — 

I am happy to hear Mrs. Washington has increased her family and 
is well I wish she could make it convenient to come to see us. 

The General joins me in love and good wishes to you and all with 

you. 

I am Dear Madam 

Your affectionate sister 
and friend — 
M. Washington. 
[Inscribed : Mrs. Washington, Bushfield.] 



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MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS 

MARTHA WASHINGTON TO FRANCES WASHINGTON. 

Philadelphia June 15"' 1797. 
My Dear Fanny : 

I am sorry to hear by your Letter of the tenth that your little girl 
has been so ill — I hope she has got quite well before this — I have 
not a doubt but worms, is the principle cause of her complaints. Chil- 
dren that eat everything as they like and feed as heartily as your does 
must be full of worms — Indeed my dear Fanny I never saw children 
stuffed as yours was when I was down and reather wondered that they 
were able to be tolarable with such lodes as they used to put into their 
little stomacks — I am sure thare is nothing so pernisious as over 
charging the stomack of a child — with every kind of food that they will 
take — Expearance will convince you of the impropriety if nothing 
else will — 

I can with much truth say that I am realy sorry that I cannot come 
down to Mt. Vernon this summer particularly on your account — The 
president says he cannot make a longer stay than a few days — which 
would make it very inconvenient to me, to be thare without him — besides 
I should not like to have any thing to do with Mr. Pearce's Family in 
the House.' The President will bring two white men with him — one of 
them may sleep in Whiting's room, the other in the Garret — Let thare 
be a bed put in the Garret room — and one for the other man as they may 
be ready — The President talks of leving this on Tuesday morn — and 
I suppose he will make all the dispatch he can as he does not expect to 
be for long from hear — 

I sent to Mr. Palmer as soon as your letter came to my hands — 
He is out of town and his work men knows nothing of your measure : 
it will be as well for you to send one of your old shoes when the Presi- 
dent return, and then you will be scertain that your shoes will fitt — and 
I will have them done as soon as I can it is difficult to get any thing 
done hear — The trades people suffered very much in the Yallow 
fever — the shoe makers complain of the want of journey men — I hope 
it will be better now that Congress is gone — every man must have some- 
thing either to send or carry home — which constantly imployed the trades 
people in this city. 

I Mr. Pearce was Washington's manager at Mount Vernon. / 

lOI 



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MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS 



My dear Fanny, if Mrs. Herbert's spinout is not sent home — I beg 
you will have it carefully sent up in the Boat, when your things * "=' '■■'■ ■'' 
with many thanks to him for the lone of it — I hope that it has not got 
any injury staying in our house this winter — I charged Frank to have 
it sent up derectly but I fear thar is not much dependance on him — 
My love and good wishes attend you and children and believe me my 

dear Fanny your 
most affectionate 

M. Washington. 

[Inscribed : Mrs. Fran. Washington, Mt. Vernon, and endorsed, in her 
autograph: From Mrs. M. Washington June 15'*' 1794.] 



BETTY lewis TO HER BROTHER GEORGE WASHINGTON. 

June 26'*^ 1796. 
My Dear Brother 

Your letter of the 27''' of April I received and should have Answered 
it sooner but expecting you in dayly postponed writing untill you arriv'd 
at Mount Vernon, not hearing from you again on Harriot's subject, I 
have been makeing all the enquirey I Could concerning Mr. Parks that 
was in my power I have heard nothing to his disadvantage on the contrary 
he is respected by all his acquaintance he is a constant Visitor here and I 
believe Harriot's affections are plac'd intirely on him, and engaged so far 
as this if your consent can be obtained. 

Harriot begs you will pardon her not writing her self but hopes 
your being fully acquainted with her sentiments Concerning Mr. Parks 
will be some apology she is not well I believe her anxiety for fear of 
offending and not gaining your consent has Produc'd this, your long 
Silence has given her much uneasiness. 

My Dear Brother if you have any Mules for sale and can let me 
have one I will with pleasure pay you the Price of it I am under the 
necessity of purchasing a Work Nag and prefer A Mule. 

Harriot Joines me in love and good wishes for you and my sister 
Washington and believe me to be Your Affecte. sister 

Betty Lewis. 

[Inscribed : Free. The President of the United States, Mount Vernon. 
Endorsed in Washington's autograph: From Mrs. Betty Lewis 26"" June 1796.] 

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